Kid Cassidy set for chase debut Even short odds-on quotes earlier about Kid Cassidy for today's Pancreatic Cancer Charity Raceday Beginners' Chase at Lingfield were too tempting for many as the price of Nicky Henderson's gelding has been slashed into a general 2/7. Henderson of course could hardly have his string in better form following yesterday's spectacular seven from seven for the Seven Barrows team and few will forget how impressive the J P McManus-owned Kid Cassidy was at the Punchestown Festival. Henderson said of Kid Cassidy in a stable tour: "He looked seriously smart at the beginning and end of the season and the bit in between wasn't his fault. I know like the rest of us, AP (McCoy) reckons he could be top class." He continued: "He has always been a very talented and good looking horse and, having won his bumpers the previous season for JP Magnier, began his hurdling career for JP McManus when winning easily at Newbury. "On his second run, and in fairness in a very good race, he was far too keen. "His third start was on that fatal day at Newbury where the two horses died in the parade ring and minutes before the drama unfolded, he himself stepped onto the grass and virtually fell over. "We thought it odd but no more than that and sent him on down to the start as he was getting very on edge. "Having seen what happened next, I went down to the start and AP said he had literally bolted with him going down and we withdrew him immediately. "It took him a bit of time to settle back and his next run at Sandown we ponied him down to the start with one of Sarah's polo ponies. He actually got beaten that day, but it helped him restore his confidence and his only other appearance came at Punchestown. "There, thank goodness, he returned to his best and finally looked the same horse that had started the season so impressively at Newbury. "A pretty dramatic term for him but let's hope its all behind him." (EM)
