Henderson confident with Sacre

Nicky Henderson admits he will be disappointed if Sprinter Sacre is beaten in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

The seven-year-old is many punters' idea of the banker of the week and has been long odds-on for the two-mile showpiece since the ante-post book was opened.

Unbeaten in seven races over fences, including the Arkle Trophy at last year's Festival, Sprinter Sacre has understandably frightened away a lot of the opposition.

He still has decent rivals to beat, headed by the 2011 Champion hero Sizing Europe, and Henderson is not taking anything for granted.

"He knows he's good looking, he knows he's good - it really is 'look and watch me'," said the Seven Barrows trainer.

"It's all flashy and show. I'm never going to say he's the best (I have trained) - I don't know who was - but he's right up there.

"He's something to watch and, from Barry's (Geraghty) point of view, he said he's the most spectacular thing he's ever sat on.

"He enjoys it, but I don't.

"The pressure is on because everybody will expect one of his flashy performances and I hope he can deliver again.

"He finds it ridiculously easy but Cheltenham is Cheltenham and the course takes plenty of jumping.

"He is a hugely-talented natural athlete. He and Simonsig are two of the best work horses I have ever had.

"Sprinter Sacre is the one we would be disappointed with if he doesn't win."

Sizing Europe has a tremendous course record over two miles, winning the Arkle in 2010 and this race a year later.

He went down narrowly to Finian's Rainbow 12 months ago when the last fence was omitted after the fall of Wishfull Thinking on the first circuit.

Because of Sizing Europe's proven ability over the course and distance, trainer Henry de Bromhead and owners Ann and Alan Potts opted to have a third crack at this race instead of going for the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.

"He seems in good form, he travelled over well and we're hoping for a good run," said de Bromhead.

"The ground had a bit to do with us going for the Queen Mother rather than the Ryanair but we think we are pretty good over the course and distance. He has a good record."

Sizing Europe's regular jockey Andrew Lynch also believes the horse's past achievements at the Festival will stand him in good stead.

"He's won the Arkle, the Champion Chase and was unlucky last year when he was second," said Lynch.

"He's unbeaten this season and hopefully he'll run a good race."

While a lot of trainers decided not to take on Sprinter Sacre, Tom George took the plunge and supplemented Mail De Bievre at the confirmation stage.

The French-bred eight-year-old showed plenty of pace on his British debut in the Denman Chase over three miles before fading into fifth place behind Gold Cup fancy Silviniaco Conti at Newbury last month.

George reports Mail De Bievre to have benefited immensely for the outing.

"He's come on a lot since he went to Newbury. He's very sharp and I'm looking forward to him running," said the Slad handler.

"He's able and very ready for the big day.

"He'll make it a good gallop, that is one thing we do know."

Philip Hobbs is under no illusions about the task facing Wishfull Thinking and the Minehead trainer is hoping his runner can pick up a share of the good prize money on offer.

Wishfull Thinking is a smart performer and arrives on the back of victory in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. He fell in this race last year.

"It looks like we're going round for place money this year," Hobbs told At The Races.

"Sprinter Sacre looks like he ought to certainly win. If we get some place money I'll be pleased."