Connections of Jonbon are excited in regards to the prospect of once more locking horns with El Fabiolo, with the Clarence Home Chase now simply over per week away.
The Ascot Grade One was nominated as the subsequent goal by each camps after profitable their pre-Christmas assignments and neither group is backing down from the problem simply but, with the 2 main gamers of the two-mile chasing division poised to conflict for a 3rd time.
It was Nicky Henderson’s cost who gained the higher hand at Aintree within the duo’s novice hurdling days, however El Fabiolo excelled throughout a novice chasing marketing campaign that noticed Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old declare Grade One glory on the Dublin, Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals.
With the scoreline locked at one every, many thought the rubber match would come within the Queen Mom Champion Chase on the Cheltenham Competition, however now the scene appears set for a repeat of Energumene’s titanic conflict with Shishkin in early 2022, with the Jonbon camp relishing a blockbuster showdown.
“The horse is in great form, Nicky is very happy with him and we’re all looking forward to the race,” mentioned Frank Berry, racing supervisor to proprietor JP McManus.
“It should be a cracking race and we’re looking forward to it.”
All has gone swimmingly for Jonbon thus far this time period and having returned with a stunning show in Cheltenham’s Shloer Chase, he confirmed he has the flexibility to grind out outcomes when circumstances are in opposition to him when producing a gritty efficiency to win the Tingle Creek final month.
Jonbon was ridden in each of these victories by Nico de Boinville, however with the Seven Barrows primary on the sidelines with a collarbone damage and former accomplice Aidan Coleman nonetheless recovering from the intense knee damage suffered final summer season, the eight-year-old is more likely to have a brand new man within the saddle for the Clarence Home.
James Bowen has proved a greater than in a position deputy aboard the Henderson string in De Boinville’s absence, however Berry says no jockey choice has been made but for Jonbon with the coach set to have essential enter.
He added: “I’m not sure at the moment [who will ride] and we’ll leave that up to Nicky.”
Watch the Clarence Home dwell on Sky Sports activities Racing.
