Sprinter Sacre will make his reappearance against six rivals in Sunday's Shloer Chase at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson's six-year-old went through his novice season unbeaten and never came off the bridle in winning the Arkle and the Maghull Novices' Chase in the spring. He also claimed the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury against his elders, so he does have experience outside novice company.

"I'd rather have him than not have him, he's very exciting. I think of everyone who watched him last year I was the one who probably didn't enjoy it as much as other people did. He's great to watch, he's flashy, showy and very exciting," said Henderson.

"Everybody wants to find these horses. It's terrific. Our job is to get him there and keep him in one piece, but I'd rather have it (the pressure) than not have it. He looked very special throughout last year, but you start again and when you start again anything can happen. It's never the same.

"He was exciting to watch last year. I find him absolutely terrifying. Barry (Geraghty) says it's the most exciting thing you can do. We'll just have to see. He's in great form, he's a great big show-off. He loves to race, he loves to jump. He's just got a style that is exciting to watch."

The Seven Barrows handler has an enviable team of talent at his disposal this season, so much so that he is favourite for many to wrest the champion trainers' crown off Paul Nicholls.

After this weekend, Henderson sends Long Run to Haydock for the Betfair Chase and Bobs Worth to Newbury for the Hennessy, so it is understandable he feels the next few weeks are critical.

He said: "The next three weekends are going to be crucial, they are hectic times and nervous. It's frightening, because this is when the A-team are going to come out and they have to do what they are going to do. They are a great bunch of horses, but other people have them too. We just have to hope - you find out where you are."

Taking Sprinter Sacre on is the Philip Hobbs-trained Wishfull Thinking, who has never quite rediscovered the form of his novice season.

Nicholls runs the Graham Wylie-owned Doeslessthanme, winner of his last three races last season. Oliver Brady sends over Imperial Shabra from Ireland, while Evan Williams saddles Lancetto. Finch Flyer and Kinkeel complete the septet.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests