Horse Racing Trainer Nicky Henderson is yet to decide on final plans for his star mares Epatante and Marie's Rock, with the latter facing a potential step up in tr

[Lupin]

Look, there is no doubt the trip is still a question mark but there were more positive signs in the Relkeel, beating a proper soft-ground lover and strong stayer over the distance in Dashel Drasher. A few of the geldings had penalties in that race, but so did she and she only got a pound from Dashel Drasher, where as in a Grade One, she will get the full 7lb mares' allowance.

Some people might be worried that she's only had one run this season, but Nicky didn't run her until he was completely happy with her. Earlier in the season, he wasn't happy; there was nothing wrong, but she wasn't sparking. She sparked in the Relkeel though!

I love Nicky's training of her this season because she was busy last season, running seven times in total and doing both Cheltenham and Punchestown. She proved to everyone how tough, hardy and progressive she was last season so this year's different preparation is no worry.

The Stayers' is another step up for her in various ways, but I like her profile and how she's going into this year's Festival.

Strengths - I like her profile, progressive nature and the fact she is relaxing.

Weak spot - If she runs here, the trip is obviously the unknown.
Home By The Lee is an interesting contender for this year's Stayers' Hurdle as he has without a doubt improved this season. Why that is, I'm not quite sure but Joseph O'Brien seems to think the consistent spell over hurdles has helped him having been chasing.

It's good he has improved, but he had to if he was going to figure in the race having been well held, albeit with a good run at 33/1, in last year's Stayers'. He was sixth of 10 and beaten seven-and-a-half lengths by Flooring Porter.

I don't think I was the only one surprised by his wins in the Lismullen Hurdle and the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle. He was 28/1 the first day and was 7/1 at Leopardstown, but won both races well. Bob Olinger maybe blew out at Navan while Flooring Porter needed the run under a penalty, but Home By The Lee improved again over three miles at Christmas.