Nicky Henderson vows to 'fight back' with Shishkin as he reveals next target

Nicky Henderson has nominated the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18 as the likely next race for Shishkin after the star chaser underwent a recent wind procedure.

The Lambourn trainer had been hoping to run in Saturday's Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton but a flipped palate ruled him out of the race.

Henderson had previously mentioned the Game Spirit or Denman Chase at Newbury as potential targets but thinks the distance at Ascot is a better fit for the dual Cheltenham Festival winner.

"It's all going well and I'd be looking at Ascot possibly over two miles five furlongs as the timing looks good," said Henderson. "I want to try him over further."

The Ascot Chase would see Shishkin return to the scene of his pulsating battle with Energumene in last season's Clarence House Chase, which Henderson identified as the day Shishkin first indicated he might be better suited by a greater test of stamina than two miles.

Shishkin won a pulsating Clarence House Chase when he last competed at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I go back to Ascot last season against Energumene," he added. "He was flat to the boards the whole way round and was never really in his comfort zone that day. Energumene had us beaten all ends up that day but he beat the other horse because he stayed better.

"I was thinking then he wanted further, that's when he told me he wants two and a half."

Shishkin, who has won 11 of his 14 starts under rules, holds entries in the Ryanair Chase and Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and Henderson indicated the Ryanair is first choice providing his next run goes well.

"If you ask me, I should think it would be odds-on the Ryanair if we get him back, but we've got to get back on track," said Henderson. "We've had two hiccups but we fought back with Sprinter Sacre and we'll fight back with him."

Henderson also played down the significance of Shishkin's recent wind operation. "It's such a simple procedure," he said. "It's just the palate, which gets a bit loose from time to time, and we've just tightened it up. You can do it as many times as you like."

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