TRIAL VERDICTS DELIGHT HENDERSON Bacchanal and Tiutchev comfortably passed their Cheltenham tests at Ascot today to soothe the nerves of edgy trainer Nicky Henderson.Tiutchev strengthened his claims for the Queen Mother Champion Chase when claiming victory in a controversy-clouded Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase. While earlier Bacchanal rubber-stamped his place in the field for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase when jumping impeccably to defeat two rivals in the Gerrard Reynoldstown Chase.'You could say the two horses have enjoyed themselves but I`m just relieved to get the races out of the way,' said Henderson.'I`m always worried when my horses run in their trial races before Cheltenham,' added the trainer, who sent out four winners at the National Hunt Festival last year to take his career tally to 24.Tiutchev`s task was eased considerably when the favourite Bellator refused to start.With his main rival out of the way the 11-8 chance proceeded to put in an exhibition round in the stg#65,000 Grade One contest.He stretched clear in great style in the straight in the hands of Mick Fitzgerald to take care of Celibate by 22 lengths.Tiutchev, is a best-priced 6-1 (Coral) for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. 'This has shown that we`re back in the ball park,' said Henderson. 'He`s shown here that he was fresh and well and it will put him spot on for Cheltenham.'He`s still beaten two decent horses and he`s won as far as he liked. Any ground at Cheltenham will be all right as long as it`s not bottomless.'Bacchanal`s price varies between 5-2 and 7-2 for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase after his easy victory. Fiztgerald guided him to a 13-length verdict over Bindaree in the Grade Two contest.'He`s come through this intact but we`ve got to take on Shotgun Willy going his way round at Cheltenham,' said Henderson.'It looks like it`s going to be a cracking Sun Alliance. Shotgun Willy was impressive at Newbury last week while the Irishhorse Sackville also looks good.'But our horse has won a Stayers` Hurdle and has a high cruising speed. We`re looking forward to the race.' PA
