---
title: "Doitforthevillage set for Cheltenham run"
canonical: "https://readhorseracing.com/2018/01/26/doitforthevillage-set-cheltenham-run/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Archer"
section: "News"
published: "2018-01-26T12:01:52Z"
modified: "2018-01-26T12:01:52Z"
---

# Doitforthevillage set for Cheltenham run

Trainer Paul Henderson is set to saddle Doitforthevillage in Saturday’s Crest Nicholson Handicap Chase, one of seven races on a stellar card at Cheltenham racecourse for Festival Trials Day.

The nine-year-old has been in cracking form this season and gained a deserved victory at Prestbury Park in December when gamely landing the BetVictor Handicap Chase by two lengths.

A decent fourth on his comeback run at Newbury earlier this month over hurdles, Henderson is keen to target the £75,000 event at Cheltenham with concerns over the extended two and a half-mile trip allayed by jockey Paddy Brennan’s confidence that he will enjoy the step up in distance.

Doitforthevillage, one of the leading lights of Henderson’s Hampshire yard is 1-2 at Cheltenham and provided he comes through a gallop this week, Henderson is ready to let the gelding take his chance at the home of Jump racing.

![Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readhorseracing.com/readhorseracing/2018/01/875291550.jpg)

The handler [commented](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/-Doitforthevillage-primed-for-Cheltenham-return-on-Saturday.html?soid=1110108263682&aid=CO3KWjaP1rg):

> Doitforthevillage seems alright in himself. I am going to work him tomorrow to make sure he is okay before deciding whether he runs at Cheltenham on Saturday.
>
> He had an injury prior to his latest run. He had an infection in his hind leg so that’s why I ran him over hurdles at Newbury just to get a run into him. He seemed to blow up at Newbury, but I’m pleased with him and I’ll just give him a gallop tomorrow to make sure that he is in top form.
>
> He enjoys Cheltenham and conditions seem to be in his favour. Me and Paddy \[Brennan\] have discussed his ideal trip. Paddy thinks he will get a bit further so that’s why we are running over two and a half miles.
>
> I think he’s an out and out two-miler, but Paddy is quite confident he will get the trip. Two and a half miles is a little bit of a concern to me as he does seem to travel sweeter over two miles, but Paddy is pretty bullish.
>
> Doitforthevillage has run well at both Cheltenham and Aintree and I think the plan would be to target one of the handicaps at The Festival in March.
>
> We’ll decide whether he goes for the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase or the two and a half-mile handicap (Brown Advisory & Merribelle Stable Plate) at The Festival after his run this weekend.