Nicky Henderson could take in Morebattle for Buveur D'Air if Sandown falls to bad weather

The master of Seven Barrows has long had his multiple Grade 1 winner lined up for the race but could see his plan foiled by icy weather.

With temperatures set to drop below freezing in the lead-up to Saturday's contest, the chances of Sandown going ahead are becoming slimmer by the second.

Henderson is aware he may have to reroute his hurdling star – who has won the Contenders for the past two years – if the forecast ice hits the Esher track.

He said: "I've been talking to JP (McManus, owner) and I'm very worried. We have a plan set out, then we walk into this – but it has happened to everyone, not just Buveur D'Air.

"We have our programme for him and we have got to start facing the facts that in all probability it might not happen and that we have to think again.

FROZEN OUT Further threat of abandonments as deep freeze hits jumps meetings

"I was talking to JP and about him not being in over in Ireland (Leopardstown) and I don't regret that decision as it was not where we wanted to go.

"The reason he is not in Ireland is that it is an away game at this stage of proceedings and only preparation for Cheltenham. We don't want to have a dust-up there, as we can do that in March.

"I know the Contenders Hurdle is not the most awe-inspiring race when you have got a 1-5 shot in it – the only person interested in it is probably me, not because we want to win a race but because I want the horse to have a race.

"I know Rayvin Black is going there so they will go a good gallop which is what I want for him. I'll need to talk to the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) just to see if somewhere could find a slot for it.

"Maybe there is an Angel Gabriel that can come and rescue us."

With few suitable contest left before the Festival, a trip up north to Kelso could be on the agenda.

He added: "We are not keen on Wincanton for the Kingwell and we've always said that.

"We have used the Morebattle in the past and that is not out of the equation. We were thinking of sending We Have A Dream there, but we might have to move things around.

"That would give you around a month before Cheltenham and is the only other option. I've not discussed that with JP.

"Yes, he can have a racecourse gallop, but you are only halfway there with that. The perfect scenario remains to run on Saturday."

The dual Champion Hurdler is a general 1/8 shot to do the business in the Listed contest.

Torpillo and Vision Des Flos are next best in the betting at 15-2 and 9-1 respectively.

Source: Read Full Article