The massive two of El Fabiolo and Jonbon have scared off potential opposition in Saturday’s BetMGM Clarence Home Chase at Ascot, with solely two others entered for the Grade One showpiece. Elixir De Nutz and Dan Skelton’s Surprising Occasion make up the remainder of the sphere.
At present the perfect two-miler chasers in coaching, El Fabiolo and Jonbon completed first and second within the Arkle final March, with Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo popping out on high.
When the pair met over hurdles at Aintree two seasons in the past it was Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon that narrowly prevailed, and ever because it was first mooted the pair might meet once more this weekend the third conflict has been eagerly anticipated.
Given Jonbon has a score of 170 and El Fabiolo 172, it maybe ought to come as no shock not many are eager to take the top-class pair on.
Joe Tizzard has entered the admirable Elixir De Nutz. Terry Warner’s 10-year-old is a twin winner already this 12 months and completed third to Editeur Du Gite within the Desert Orchid over Christmas, however with a score of 156 it reveals the duty he faces.
The one different entry is Dan Skelton’s 141-rated Surprising Occasion, who can also be engaged within the bet365 Handicap Chase.
The BetMGM Mares’ Hurdle has seen Henderson enter Marie’s Rock, Tweed Skirt and Theatre Glory.
Different notables embody You Put on It Effectively for Jamie Snowden and West Balboa for Skelton.
Whether or not the assembly goes forward as a result of present chilly snap, remains to be up within the air, nevertheless.
The observe has been fully lined with fleece earlier than the primary of a forecast extended spell of freezing climate.
Clerk of the course Chris Stickels stated on Monday morning: “It’s difficult to say what the prospects are at the moment.
“We’re at the moment raceable, we lined the observe on Friday and we’re frost-free beneath the covers. We obtained right down to minus 1.75C in a single day.
“The forecast does indicate it is going to be quite cold through this week, with temperatures down to minus three or minus four on some occasions, but there are conflicting forecasts for Saturday.
“Some are suggesting it is going to nonetheless be sub-zero into Saturday morning whereas others are saying it is going to be a bit milder than that. It is tough to name at this stage, we simply must see the way it develops because the week goes on.”