Gallops Report: Nicky Henderson

BEAT THAT hasn't enjoyed the luck he deserves after falling on his last couple of starts over fences, but the talented gelding has worked and schooled well since his latest hiccup at Cheltenham last month.

Although aged nine, Beat That has few miles on the clock, having spent well over two years on the sidelines before his return last April.

He is capable of making up for lost time if he can get his act together in the jumping department and could bid to bounce back in a beginners' chase at Nicky Henderson's local track, Newbury, next Thursday

Henderson has some interesting new recruits from France to go to war with this winter, including DAME DE COMPAGNIE.

She placed in three consecutive outings in her homeland, the latest at Auteuil, and proved she has settled in well at Seven Barrows with a comfortable success on her British debut at Uttoxeter on Friday.

There will be tougher tests to come, but she should make her mare in the mares' novice hurdle division this season.

Another JP McManus-owned mare, COUNTISTER, also brings good form to the table from France and has shown promise in her preparatory work.

The five-year-old could kick off her hurdling career at next week's aforementioned Newbury fixture.

SUNSHADE carried the colours of the Queen to victory on her only start in a Fakenham bumper and has schooled well on the practice ground.

She is also entered at Newbury, as well as Market Rasen, and is worth following through the coming weeks and months.

PEARLESQUE has a couple of engagements next week and this lightly-raced individual is capable of improvement.