Punchestowns back on track for RSA

Nicky Henderson's leading RSA Chase fancy Punchestowns will be ready for Wednesday's big race at Cheltenham after getting over a recent scare.

Punchestowns is set to take his place alongside stablemate Long Run in the big-race line-up after recovering from a bruised foot.

"We had a scare with Punchestowns last week when he had a bruised foot which held him up for a couple of days, but I don't think has affected us dramatically," Henderson told talkSPORT.

"He's back in good form, he schooled yesterday and he's got one more bit of work to do tomorrow. He's a very high-class horse.

"He's only had two races over fences. I probably would have preferred a third one, but it's been a desperate winter for frost and snow and everything. He comes here in very good form.

"Long Run is something else. I'd like to think he might be something very special, but we'll find out next week."

Henderson also has impressive Reynoldstown winner Burton Port among 17 entries for the RSA Chase.

Alan King's Bensalem remains a possible for the race despite disputing favouritism for the William Hill Trophy, while Paul Nicholls has left The Nightingale in.

Diamond Harry, Weird Al and Weapon's Amnesty are well-fancied horses to feature among the 17, while Mullins is double-handed with Citizen Vic and Shakervilz.

Chasing Cars, Flight Leader, Hey Big Spender, Knockara Beau, Lenabane, Little Josh and Ogee complete the entries.

Henderson has high hopes of saddling a Royal winner with Barbers Shop in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The eight-year-old has been taking on Kauto Star and Denman in his recent races over three miles and beyond and Henderson believes the drop in trip is sure to suit.

"Of course we would love to have a winner for The Queen at Cheltenham. I'm sure she would enjoy it and it would be good for racing as well," the Seven Barrows trainer told talkSPORT.

"The horse is very well and he's coming back in trip after running in the King George over three miles - two miles, five furlongs is probably his trip.

"He's got form there (Cheltenham) - he was second in the Paddy Power and second in the Jewson as a novice - so we'd like to think he has a really good chance."