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Simonsig to make chasing debut soon

Simonsig pictured in action at AintreeSimonsig pictured in action at Aintree
© Photo Healy Racing

Nicky Henderson is biding his time before unleashing top hurdler Simonsig over fences.

The Seven Barrows trainer had suggested the runaway Cheltenham Festival winner could make his chasing debut at Newbury, but Simonsig is not quite primed for the task.

Henderson said: "He's not quite ready for this weekend, we'll see him in about a fortnight."

Captain Conan, who impressed on his recent debut over fences at Cheltenham, will take his next step up the ladder in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown next weekend.

A belated reappearance from injury-hit 2009 Champion Hurdler Punjabi, also expected to go chasing, should come soon.

"I had him entered this week but I wasn't going to risk him on this ground," the trainer said.