Two weeks to go: Supreme contenders please Nicky Henderson in racecourse gallop

Nicky Henderson admitted to feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as he continued to put the finishing touches on some of his leading lights with a racecourse gallop at Kempton on Tuesday.

The trainer was particularly pleased with Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender Jonbon, who worked alone with Aidan Coleman under the watchful eye of Sir Anthony McCoy, representing owner JP McManus.

Jonbon is 4-1 generally for the opening race of the festival but had drifted to 10-1 on Betfair before racing at Kempton on Saturday.

"We know these things happen and we know it's rubbish but trying to convince people once the rumour starts is hard," said Henderson. "I was pleased with Jonbon – his whole demeanour and behaviour.

"If he'd have got himself wound up, I'd have been perfectly happy to take him home but he strode out well and was moving beautifully."

Jonbon was joined at Kempton by Supreme favourite Constitution Hill, who worked alongside 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante and Parnell Properties Mares' Novices' Hurdle hopeful Tweed Skirt.

"Nothing went badly wrong, which is great and is not guaranteed," said Henderson. "There were no nasty shocks and amazingly their times were consistent. This just sharpens them up a little bit.

"We've just brought the ones who haven't run for a while. Epatante hasn't run since Christmas and needed a gallop, whereas the likes of Champ and Chantry House, who ran in January, stayed at home.

Nicky Henderson: gets a debrief from James Bowen, Aidan Coleman and Nico de BoinvilleCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"Constitution Hill makes it look hopelessly easy. He's going well. He just needs to light the fire and this is a good time to do it. We'll do one more bit of work with him next week and that will be it."

Constitution Hill will be partnered by Nico de Boinville at the festival, while Jonbon and Epatante, owned by JP McManus, will be ridden by Coleman. Jonjo O'Neill Jr is set to retain the ride on Champ.

On Monday, Dan Skelton outlined his belief that the best way to take on the Irish battalions at Cheltenham is to arrive with fresh horses, and Henderson added: "I agree, they've got to be fresh but they've got to be fit, too. We know the Irish horses will definitely be fit.

"We'll do one more piece of work with ours on the grass on Tuesday. We might stagger the days according to which days they run. The main bits of work are done and we've just got to do what we can. You'll drive yourself crazy worrying about what others are doing.

"They all have to take on the Irish. I had lunch with Willie [Mullins] on Monday and it's all good fun. I'm looking forward to seeing him in two weeks but tried to persuade him to leave his horses behind!

"We watch their runners and some of it can be quite scary but it doesn't make a huge difference as we know what races ours are running in. Getting them there fit and well is the important thing."

Henderson worked ten horses, including Dusart, I Am Maximus, who is as short as 8-1 for the Coral Cup, and Dame De Compagnie.

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Sky Bet: 9-4 Constitution Hill, 3 Dysart Dynamo, Sir Gerhard, 4 Jonbon, 7 Kilcruit, 12 State Man, Pied Piper, Mighty Potter

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