Finian’s Rainbow remains on course for the 2012 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, despite his defeat in the Victor Chandler Chase on Saturday.(credit:
Will Palmer)
Finian’s Rainbow remains on course for the 2012 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, despite his defeat in the Victor Chandler Chase on Saturday.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has admitted he’s keen to keep the superstar to two miles after his defeat to Somersby and the handler retains all his faith in the 2011 Arkle Trophy runner-up.
After finishing a length and a quarter in second at Ascot, the nine-year-old will be heading to the Cheltenham Festival and it looks like the Champion Chase will be his target.
Henderson explained: "He seemed to do little wrong at Ascot apart from getting beaten and he seems a different horse this season.
"Last year he was all over the place but some sense seems to be getting in there.
"I'd like to think there's a bit of improvement to come, I don't think he's at his absolute best yet.
"We did talk about going over further but I think we'll stick to two miles."
Meanwhile, Somersby battled gamely to land the Saturday’s feature and StanJames.com spokesman Rory Jiwani was impressed with the performance. He told Cheltenhampro: "The first-time cheekpieces worked the trick for Somersby and he will surely be aimed at the Champion Chase. We've cut Henrietta Knight's stable star for the two-mile chasing crown.
"Finian's Rainbow looked to be in control turning for home but found little when challenged. We've eased him and trimmed defending champion Sizing Europe.