Sprinter Sacre impresses Francome
February 20, 2012 09:14:15 UK
Johnny Francome has dubbed Nicky Henderson's Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre "a freak" after watching him thrash five opponents in his Cheltenham trial at Newbury.
But his prediction that the horse could win the Queen Mother Champion Chase was immediately ruled out by owner Raymond Mould, who said: "It's hopefully the Arkle this year and then go on to the Champion Chase next year. I'd rule the Champion Chase out this year and Mr Henderson has never mentioned it. He's got Finian's Rainbow in it anyway."
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Francome had said: "Horses like this come along very rarely. He looks a freak but is incredibly exciting and is quite capable of targets other than the Arkle.
"He was not taken on other novices but seasoned chasers and is only six years old. For Barry (Geraghty) to be looking around four fences out shows this one is something extraordinary."
Francome's words echoed those of Irish trainer Noel Meade who had commented earlier that the horse "is a monster and a banker for the Festival."
Sprinter Sacre is 1.72 to win the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham while Peddlers Cross can be backed at 1000.00 and Kid Cassidy at 21.00.
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