RSA is Punchestowns target

Nicky Henderson has warned punters that the RSA Chase is the sole Cheltenham Festival target for his exciting prospect Punchestowns.

Last season's World Hurdle runner-up made a very pleasing debut over fences at Newbury in November and his trainer now wants to get some more experience into his charge ahead of the March jamboree.

The trainer told Racing UK: "Punchestowns was due to go to Cheltenham on New Year's Day and he's in at Warwick this weekend, but he does need a couple of runs before Cheltenham. He did everything brilliantly at Newbury and it was a very pleasing debut."

He added: "Barry (Geraghty) was very good on him as he got him jumping with confidence. The first half of the race was a school and the second half was a race.

"I think he's only got one entry (for Cheltenham) and that would be the RSA Chase. I can't see him running in the Ryanair Chase and he might as well run with novices. I certainly wouldn't be thinking about him for the Arkle."