Henderson says Shop spot on

Nicky Henderson reckons Barbers Shop is peaking at just the right time as he prepares to lead what could be a three-strong challenge for the Ryanair Chase.

The Queen's gelding is the 5-1 second-favourite with totesport behind Poquelin for the two-and-a-half mile championship, and may be joined by the injury-plagued Jack The Giant and Petit Robin, although the latter is also entered in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Henderson has tried Barbers Shop over longer trips this season and he was fourth in the Hennessy and third in the King George.

"We are very pleased where we are with him and he schooled very well last week," he said.

"We have purposefully decided to go there fit and fresh and he will go to Newbury on Sunday (for a light piece of work). He is quite good at telling you when he's right and he looks really well.

"His first runs have been very good and we have sort of concluded he is not really seeing out the longer distances so the obvious thing is to go for the Ryanair."

Jack The Giant, restricted to two successful starts either end of 2008, and last year's Champion Chase third Petit Robin, are the other possibilities.

Henderson continued: "With Jack The Giant we have struggled a bit time-wise. He had a problem with his suspensory ligaments and it might be a tall order first-time-out.

"Petit Robin is still in the Ryanair and the Champion Chase and I have to discuss it with his owner John Poynton.

"The idea was the Champion Chase but I'm pretty sure he would stay (further). Master Minded looks back to his best for the Champion Chase and although Tranquil Sea was impressive in Ireland on Sunday, it might be slightly easier in the Ryanair."