PNicholls

Denman, Big Buck's, Taranis and Neptune Collonges all took part in a racecourse gallop, in which they all really pleased me.

But what did the gallop entail?

Well, on Monday morning, we worked them all quite hard over 2m. They went a good clip, and quickened up in the final furlong. They didn't mess around, I can assure you.

Denman worked with Big Buck's, and Taranis did a separate piece with Neptune Collonges.

Denman seemed in serious order in his gallop with Big Buck's, and Taranis did a great piece of work with Neptune.

And I can reveal that we have pretty much finalised our Hennessy riding plans.

Sam Thomas will ride Denman, Nick Scholfield will partner Taranis, Noel Fehily is on board Neptune Collonges, and Ryan Mahon gets on The Tother One. And if Harry Skelton is back in time from injury, he will ride Niche Market; if not, Ian Popham will.

Noel will also ride Big Buck's in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury. We also like to run our good novice chasers at the three day Newbury meeting and Sang Bleu is in the two miler on Thursday, while Celestial Halo starts over 2m4f on Friday.

Looking back to last weekend, we had two awesome winners in Sam Winner and Ghizao, now favourites for the Triumph Hurdle and Arkle respectively. The former will probably go back to Cheltenham for his next run. There are no definite plans for Ghizao, but the Henry VIII is a possibility.

It was great to be top trainer at the Open meeting, with Rock On Ruby sealing that achievement with a win in the listed bumper. He now goes hurdling.

I have now got a job on with Sanctuaire. He lost his chance before the Greatwood when far too free on the way to the start, and I have got to teach him how to settle if he is to confirm his undoubted potential.

Despite being beaten, I was pleased with Tataniano's run. Obviously I would have liked him to win, but the ground went against him, and he raced a bit fresh and free for my liking, which set the race up for the others.

But he will improve enormously for the run.

And the Champion Chase is in March, not November.

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