Nicky Henderson is set to be double-handed in the Hennessy Gold Cup after deciding to let Roberto Goldback take his chance at Newbury on Saturday.

Henderson already has ante-post favourite Bobs Worth in the handicap feature but will also run his recent Ascot winner. The Seven Barrows handler had initially indicated the 10-year-old would run at Newbury on Friday but those plans have now changed.

"We've had a slight change of heart and we have decided Roberto Goldback will run in the Hennessy after all," he told Press Association Sport.

Roberto Goldback joined Henderson at the start of the year after being trained in Ireland, first by Jessica Harrington and then Dessie Hughes.

His nine-length win at Ascot was his first victory in over a year and Henderson believes he merits a shot at Hennessy glory, rather than running over a shorter trip 24 hours earlier.

He said: "He's a stayer and while it will be testing ground, he's not a two-and-a-half-miler. It's not going to be easy as he has a lot of weight, but we are happy with him.

"The ground will not be within a million miles of what he really wants but it seemed pointless to run in the shorter race. I had a little chat with Simon Munir (his owner) and Anthony Bromley and we decided to go for the Hennessy instead.

"At the moment, the plan would be for both Roberto Goldback and Bobs Worth to run."

Henderson had expressed some concerns about the going for Bobs Worth earlier in the week but his fears have been somewhat allayed after a visit to the Berkshire venue on Tuesday afternoon.

He said: "The ground is in good nick there - it's Newbury's first meeting of the season which has helped. They are saving some fresh ground for Saturday and we have a couple of dry days forecast so it might not be that bad."

13 May 2013

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12 May 2013

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11 May 2013

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10 May 2013

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