Nicky Henderson claimed his third victory in what is now the Coral Gold Cup with Triolo D’Alene 10 years ago but the Seven Barrows handler believes he can end his drought in the Newbury feature with Dusart this year.
Triolo D’Alene was a second success in as many years for Henderson, following on from subsequent Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, with Trabolgan in 2005 being his first winner.
Dusart has always been highly regarded and won three of his first four outings over fences, but he only ran three times last season, without success. He was one of four stablemates galloping at Newbury on Tuesday.
“Dusart did it well enough this morning and has had a nice away day like Jonbon, who came here the other day, he walked round the paddock and went home,” said Henderson.
“He’s been here before and is a good horse. The Coral has always been the plan and he would benefit from some decent ground.
“He had all sorts go wrong last season and was travelling beautifully when being brought down in the Scottish National.”
The Newbury fixture on December 1 and 2 is one Henderson always targets and it is likely to see Under Control reappear, the four-year-old filly beating stablemate and Greatwood Hurdle winner Iberico Lord at Sandown when last seen. Marie’s Rock is another due to be in action.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and Marie’s Rock
“Under Control will run in the Gerry Feilden here on Saturday week. She needed to do something and is marginally straighter than Marie’s Rock,” said Henderson.
“She’s not something that hits you as being gorgeous, but she’s an absolute poppet. She’s talented and her form is strong.
“Marie’s Rock runs here in the three-miler (Long Distance Hurdle) and she will go in anything. It will be nice though to get some nice ground. It was pretty soft under the rail this morning. Nico (de Boinville) is very pleased with her.”
Henderson has revealed that Champ will miss the Long Distance Hurdle, though, after suffering a setback.
“One who is on hold is Champ who has a trapped epiglottis and won’t be ready for Newbury,” said the trainer.
One horse from the yard who is garnering plenty of talk is new recruit Jeriko Du Reponet and he is another likely runner at the meeting, along with Willmount, a winner at Newbury first time out for Henderson having looked smart in bumpers with Neil Mulholland.
Nico de Boinville rides Willmount to victory at Newbury
“Jeriko Du Reponet won a point in Northern Ireland. He’s never done anything before today,” said Henderson.
“Last night I needed a fourth horse to bring and he fell into place. He’d never had an away day, but I wanted to see if he might be ready for Newbury.
“Willmount is an exciting one who won well here and could come back. He’s quite exciting.”
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