Two of Nicky Henderson’s big guns Shishkin and Jonbon enjoyed a midweek away day to Windsor on Tuesday, with the pair stepping up their preparations before likely reappearances next month.
Jonbon, who will likely kick off his season in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting on November 19, and Shishkin, who has the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 25 as his preferred target, were both part of a small team of horses that headed to Windsor.
Other notable names that featured in the racecourse gallop were Luccia, Chantry House, Dusart and French recruit Excello, who finished second in a Listed chase at Auteuil in April for previous connections.
Henderson, who is looking forward to National Hunt racing returning to Windsor, complimented the conditions.
"It was a very good morning. The ground was beautiful. I actually had a walk around with them changing it, I know it's not until next winter, but it's going to be really good, I think it will be fantastic," he said.
"It was interesting because they raced on the Flat there yesterday and called it heavy, but we'd have only called it good to soft, we felt it was lovely ground.
"We took six. Shishkin, Jonbon, Dusart, Chantry House, Luccia and an ex-French horse called Excello. They all had a nice time, they didn't do anything spectacular, it was just a nice day out.
"We're thinking of Haydock for Shishkin and the Betfair Chase, while the Shloer is a possible for Jonbon.
"They are all coming along nicely, a lot of our horses worked on the grass last weekend, they are all schooling and so far, so good, a lot of them are ready to go.
"It's completely different to last year when it was like a road. Our grass was beautiful last weekend, they'll all work again this weekend, but it was just about giving them a nice time today, an away day."
All eyes will be on National Hunt star Constitution Hill heading into the 2023 season but with his intended comeback not pencilled in until December, the Henderson-trained juggernaut remained in Seven Barrows.
Henderson added: "Constitution Hill doesn't need to be ready until December 2 and the Fighting Fifth, he's got a little bit more time so he's well, he'll work again on Saturday and I'm sure he'll go away somewhere before Newcastle,"
Shiskin is a 5/1 chance with Paddy Power to make a successful season reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock next month.
