Richard Johnson: Nicky Henderson told me Mister Coffey has never been better ahead of Cross Country test

Legendary former jockey Richard Johnson has lifted the lid on what Nicky Henderson has told him about one of his runners on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.

Johnson, a 22-time winner at the Festival, says the Lambourn handler told him his runner in the Cross Country at 4.40pm, Mister Coffey, is in great order ahead of the race.

Henderson got his Cheltenham campaign off to a great start when Jango Baie came from absolutely miles off the pace to nick the spoils in the Arkle, before the juddering comedown when Constitution Hill fell four hurdles from home in the Champion Hurdle.

Speaking to Betway, who offer the latest Cheltenham Festival betting, Johnson said of the Cross Country: "Nicky Henderson has told me he has never had Mister Coffey so well. He thinks he’s got a massive chance in the Cross Country race.

"Your one negative is that he is an 11-year-old maiden chaser. Nicky feels that for whatever reason he’s just really come into himself."

One of Henderson's other high-profile runners of the Festival is in action on Tuesday when Jonbon takes his place in the feature race of day two, the Champion Chase, at 4pm and the Henderson runner is a hot-favourite across the board.

Cross Country Chase odds - via Grosvenor Sport

Stumptown 5/2

Galvin 7/2

Busselton 13/2

Vanillier, Mister Coffey 7/1

12/1 bar