Octet stand firm for Game Spirit8th February 2013
The enforced absence of Simonsig has left a field of eight declared for the Betfair Super Saturday Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
Trainer Nicky Henderson had to take the Arkle favourite out of his two-mile-one-furlong prep, formerly known as the Game Spirit Chase, after the exciting grey was found not to be 100% following a trachea wash test.
Henderson now looks to French Opera, who won this race in 2011 and was second to the stable's brilliant chaser Sprinter Sacre 12 months ago. The Seven Barrows handler also runs Tanks For That.