Henderson adopts 'wait and see' approach for Shishkin

Plans for the next appearance of Shishkin look set to become clearer over the weekend.

Having won his first 10 completed starts over obstacles, the nine-year-old has been beaten in his last two outings - pulling up in last season's Champion Chase and finishing a distant third behind Edwardstone on his reappearance in the Tingle Creek at Sandown.

Following his most recent eclipse, trainer Nicky Henderson stated his intention to step Shishkin up in distance and has not even entered his 2021 Arkle winner for the Champion Chase this time around.

He does, however, hold entries in the Ryanair Chase and, intriguingly, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton next weekend has been mooted as a potential pre-Festival target.

Speaking at Ludlow on Friday, Henderson said: "We are going to decide what to do about Shishkin. We are going to work tomorrow and then we will make a plan. We are just going to see."

The Seven Barrows handler did provide an upbeat report on the well-being of star novice chaser Jonbon, however.

Runner-up to esteemed stablemate Constitution Hill in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the JP McManus-owned gelding is set to contest the Kingmaker at Warwick on February 11 on his way back to Cheltenham for the Arkle Trophy in March.

"Jonbon is very, very good. He's had a nice little freshen up and he will start sort of doing his more serious work soon," Henderson added.

"He is having a little hack around but he is very fresh and we're having a job keeping his back down. He is very fresh and very well. He will go to the Kingmaker at Warwick."

Henderson also confirmed his Relkeel heroine of last weekend Marie's Rock will not run again before defending her crown in Cheltenham's Mares' Hurdle.

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