Sprinter Sacre to run in Game Spirit Chase at Newbury

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Sprinter Sacre to run in Game Spirit Chase at Newbury

Nicky Henderson has revealed that 2012 Arkle Chase favourite Sprinter Sacre could line up in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February.(credit: MissChampers)

Cheltenham Pro Staff - 18 Jan 2012

Nicky Henderson has revealed that 2012 Arkle Chase favourite Sprinter Sacre could line up in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February.

Sprinter Sacre has been at the head of the Arkle betting ever since he cruised to a facile success over Peddlers Cross at Kempton and Henderson was thrilled that the superstar never had to come off the bridle to win on his debut over the larger obstacles.

Henderson believes that the ultra-talented superstar would learn plenty from taking on two horses in the Grade Two event and with the Cheltenham Festival rapidly approaching it is looking like the most likely option. He explained: "It has actually crossed our minds that we could switch Sprinter Sacre from Warwick to the Game Spirit.

"Experience is what he needs. Going around on his own isn't going to teach him anything.

"The Doncaster race clashes with Cheltenham and the Warwick one we'll be at Newbury that day. It fits in quite well and I like the idea.

"It was actually Barry's (Geraghty) idea, probably to make sure he could ride him! But when I thought about it, it was a better idea than I'd originally thought."