Latest News / Timeform / 14 April 2012 /

Simonsig, Sprinter Sacre and Oscar Whisky all produced brilliant performances to win the opening three races on Grand National day at Aintree...

Nicky Henderson's Simonsig ran away with the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month, and was a short price to complete the double.

Barry Geraghty's only concern in the saddle was keeping hold of his mount rounding the home turn, as the enthusiastic grey pulled his way to the front.

Super Duty ran a fine race from the head of affairs, but a major error at the second-last sealed his fate and Simonsig eased clear on the bridle to score by 15 lengths.

Geraghty said: "He's as good as he looks. He hosed up there.

"He did everything so easily and they were probably going too slow for him.

"He missed one or two and I didn't want to set sail too early. He really wants a fence. He jumped hurdles well, but he can be a little bit careless."

Henderson said: "He could be good. He's always looked the part all year. At Sandown he got beat by Fingal Bay, but it looked as though we were going to run all over him at the second-last.

"After that we put him away and started again, and he's been so good.

"He's done his bit now and that's probably the last time we'll see him over hurdles.

"Barry thinks it's time to go over fences. He sees this trip out well, but I'd have thought we'll start off over fences over two miles to just let him go and jump.

"We've got decisions to make with him and Darlan now."

Sprinter Sacre duly landed the odds with a brilliant display in the Maghull Novices' Chase.

The Arkle Trophy winner led at halfway after Australia Day had jumped waywardly, and from that point it was a one-horse race with his three rivals well behind.

He was completing a quick double for Henderson and Geraghty, coming home without being asked a question by 13 lengths from Toubab.

Try as he may, Toubab could not get close enough to put in any kind of challenge, but was still 36 lengths clear of the third, Kudu Country.

Henderson said: "Anything but perfection is going to be disappointing from him.

"He is spectacular and a joy to watch - when it's over. It's been fun up to now, but now it's frightening, you come expecting to see what thankfully we have seen again.

"He's growing up all the time and he can only get stronger. He's getting very sensible, his scope and swagger is quite extraordinary.

"He has this aura about him.

"We've always said he knows he's very, very good looking, but just because they are beautiful it doesn't always make them the best, but with him it does - everything fits, he has the athleticism and attitude.

"There doesn't seem to be any flaws in him."

Oscar Whisky made it three wins in the first three races for the Henderson-Geraghty team, landing the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle for the second successive year.

Sitting in second behind leader, and Champion Hurdle winner, Rock On Ruby, Oscar Whisky travelled powerfully and drew alongside Rock On Ruby turning for home.

Getting his head in front after the last, Oscar Whisky then had to see off a sustained effort from Thousand Stars in a finish almost identical to 12 months ago.

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