Sprinter Sacre in ‘very good shape’ ahead of Cheltenham

Nicky Henderson is planning to give Sprinter Sacre one more piece of serious work at home after deciding against taking him to Kempton for a racecourse gallop on Tuesday.

The 2013 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero will continue his build-up to the Cheltenham Festival on the Lambourn gallops ahead of his assignment on March 16th.

Although out of sorts last season, the 10-year-old has looked a rejuvenated character this campaign after winning both the Shloer Chase and the Desert Orchid Chase on his two starts this term.

Henderson said: “Sprinter didn’t need to come to Kempton today as he is in great form. He really is in very, very good shape. He looks great and feels great. His work has been excellent. He just doesn’t need to do any more.

“He will work again this weekend. He will have one more bit of proper work at home and that will be him done. He will probably just have a school as well.”

The Seven Barrows handler also issued an upbeat bulletin on the prospects of last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Peace And Co lining up in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

He said: “Both Peace And Co and L’Ami Serge did a nice bit of work on the grass this morning and Daryl (Jacob) came down to ride them both.

“He (Peace And Co) seemed in good form this morning and was moving well, which I think is more relevant.

“It does give me more confidence with him and I am pleased with where we are.”