Michael Owen tips Nicky Henderson to win the Gold Cup with horse who may refuse to run

NICKY HENDERSON has received a welcome boost with football legend Michael Owen tipping him to land the Gold Cup.

But will the horse even run?

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Has Shishkin got what it takes to win the Gold Cup?[/caption]

The Seven Barrows supremo has had a torrid build-up to Cheltenham Festival.

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Huge favourite Constitution Hill was dramatically ruled out of the Champion Hurdle following a shocking racecourse gallop at Kempton.

And his stable form fell off a cliff with a string of pulled-up efforts among his charges.

But former England hero Owen is retaining the faith in the legendary handler.

And he reckons Henderson has what it takes to cajole a career-defining run out of his temperamental ‘superstar’ Shishkin.

As big as 13-2 to win racing’s most prestigious race, Shishkin refused to race at Ascot earlier this season.

Then he stumbled when leading at the second last in the King George on Boxing Day.

The ten-year-old bounced back with victory in the Denman Chase at Newbury last month but some were left unconvinced he has what it takes to topple the mighty Galopin Des Champs at the head of the market.

Racing fanatic Owen isn’t one of them, though.

He told The Winners’ Enclosure: “I have a sneaky feeling Shishkin will be one to watch in Gold Cup.

“Even though I usually go for Flat racing, I have owned jumpers in the past and I think Shishkin could run a massive race.

“He was traveling really well and could have potentially won the King George before unseating.

“I think he is a bit of a superstar so in the big big race I’ve got a feeling for Shishkin.”

Former Arkle and Supreme winner Shishkin is third-favourite for the feature race next Friday.

Willie Mullins’ defending champ Galopin Des Champs is as short as evens with some bookies.

While Fastorslow, who has twice beaten Galopin, is 4-1 second-fav.

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