The RSA for Punchestowns

Nicky Henderson hopes to give Punchestowns two more runs over fences before the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

Last year's Ladbrokes World Hurdle runner-up made an impressive start over fences at Newbury in November but the weather has hit his recent programme.

"He would have gone to Cheltenham (New Year's Day) and Warwick on Saturday and he does need a couple of runs before the Festival but there is time to do that," the trainer told Racing UK.

"He did everything beautifully at Newbury, it was a very pleasing debut. Barry (Geraghty) was very good on him, spending the first half of the race getting into a rhythm and gaining some confidence. As that built up he started to let him open up and enjoy himself."

Henderson believes the RSA is the only logical target for his star at Cheltenham.

"He'll probably have the one entry in the RSA chase - I can't see there's anything else to put him in.

"I can't think he needs to be in the Ryanair taking on those horses. He might as well run against novices."