Out and about with Jack: Nicky Henderson lands four-timer on busy Monday and there’s news on Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air
Henderson had three winners at Kempton in tandem with Nico De Boinville before Lough Derg Spirit struck at Ludlow
RED-HOT Nicky Henderson fired in a stunning four-timer on Monday.
The champ teamed up with Nico De Boinville to win the first three races at Kempton before Lough Derg Spirit landed the odds at Ludlow.
Exciting novice chaser On The Blind Side was the pick of the 68-year-old's Kempton trio.
The seven-year-old, who was a top hurdler last season, ran a shocker on chasing debut at Cheltenham on New Year's Day when beaten 85 lengths.
But he got his career back on track upped to three miles at the Sunbury course, jumping well and staying on strongly to beat a good field.
The gelding is top-priced 20-1 for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but Henderson wants to give the horse another run before raising his sights.
Henderson said: "We have had to be a bit patient with him.
"They jumped off very quick at Cheltenham and he nudged the first and he was never at the races.
"I've always promised to stop sending horses to Cheltenham for their first run over fences. It does test them.
"He has shown he wants three miles and he enjoyed that out their today. That has got his confidence up.
"You could see him gaining in confidence on his way round.
"He will need to go and do that again before he thinks about going anywhere serious."
The giant Precious Cargo kicked off the 21-1 acca for Hendo, who can't wait to send the six-year-old over fences next year.
Pym, a one-time Supreme Novices' Hurdle hope, completed a memorable Monday when beating stablemate The Cashel Man in a thriller.
Henderson already has one eye on the weekend's action, and he confirmed reigning champion hurdler Buveur D'Air will run in the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.
The eight-year-old has won the Listed race on his way to Champion Hurdle glory for the past two seasons.
He said: "Barry rode him in a piece of work on Saturday and said he felt great.
"Nothing really came to light, he was just beating by my flying machine.
"He takes plenty of work which is why I want to run him again this weekend.
";The timing is good, so we have just got to hope the weather holds up."