Air Force One joins Big Buck’s at head of Hennessy market
Charlie Mann’s second-season chaser, runner-up to Roll Along on his seasonal reappearance at Ascot, has been the subject of strong support in recent days.
And his handler, who trains in close proximity to the track at Lambourn, would love nothing more than giving the local punters something to cheer about.
“It would be nice if a Lambourn trainer could win the Hennessy, there is a lot of history behind the race as it is the most prestigious handicap – it would be nice if this Lambourn trainer could win it anyway,” said Mann.
“It was a big effort at Ascot, he normally needs his first run and comes on a lot for it, he jumped well and he is an improving horse I think, he has improved a lot from last year as he’s only six.
“He ticks a lot of the right boxes for Saturday and I think he’s got a good chance,” he told At The Races.
Jonjo O’Neill is looking towards the skies, praying the rain stays away for his Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Albertas Run.
Even still, he would need to put a poor run at Carlisle against Tidal Bay way behind him. “If the ground stays like it is it will be grand. We are going to run him anyway and whatever happens it (the ground) can’t be as bad as it was at Carlisle,” said O’Neill.
“Nothing came up after that run and he seems to be in great form.”
In-form Nicky Henderson is another trainer afraid of the forecast rain for his runner Oedipe.
Andrew Tinkler will be in the saddle as stable jockey Barry Geraghty is going up to Newcastle to ride Punjabi.
“I would be worried if it became a real slog,” said Henderson.
“I’m not saying he wouldn’t stay because I think that (a trip) is what he wants but it is his first run and he is a hard horse to get fit at home and you are always just a little bit worried whether he has got himself ready.”
