As stated elsewhere its Mr Henderson’s 65th birthday tomorrow so how wonderful, and fitting, it would be if the forum’s favourite trainer had a winner. But will he, I say, will he??? Thought I’d consider the evidence.
Beware the Bear (2.00 Warwick) – this 5YO Shantou gelding had his first run for Mr Henderson and his first over hurdles at the back-end of October and he ran a race full of credit when runner-up at Uttoxeter (44 lengths clear of the 3rd home). With that experience behind him and having subsequently enjoyed the attention of Mr Henderson’s ‘magic hands’ and brilliant brain expect Beware The Bear to open his account here. Looks potentially a very nice staying prospect.
Poetry Emotion (3.30 Warwick) – this gelding put up a much less promising effort first time out, back in May, when trailing in 9th over tomorrow’s course and distance. Actually showed very little that day as he weakened from 3 furlongs out and finished some 26.25 lengths behind the eventual winner. On that performance Poetry Emotion looks up against it tomorrow but in the ‘plus column’ he has 7 months to strength up plus had the benefit of Mr Henderson’s ‘magic hands’ and brilliant brain. This heat does look above average though and its going to be quite tough for him here, methinks. Incidentally, it was won last year by subsequent Grade 2 winner, Barters Hill.
To answer my poser then I think Mr Henderson will have a birthday winner with Beware The Bare. Can see it being much, much tougher for Poetry Emotion but as we all know re Mr Henderson and a horse – anything is possible.
Good luck all.
