There are shades of 2022 as Energumene takes on another Henderson star in this contest. The Mullins runner has reached the veteran stage but sets a high standard on peak form and showed positive signs with his reappearance success. However, it remains to be seen whether he's up to winning Grade 1 races at the age of 11 or capable of beating the current Champion Chase favourite JONBON, who has built up an impressive CV and brings the best recent figures.[Steve Boow]
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Has finished behind Jonbon three times, most recently in this season's Shloer, and recent completion record is modest (fell in three of last five outings); 3-3 over C&D but those were handicap wins; needs a career-best performance to enhance that record.
Went close in this contest two years ago (rescheduled to Cheltenham) and ran respectably in Grade 2 handicap at Kempton most recently; faller in the Tingle Creek on penultimate start, taking his record against Jonbon to 0-5 and form figures in that race to 12F; very smart on his day but again seems unlikely to finally turn over the Henderson runner.
Dual winner of the Champion Chase and took part in a famously thrilling showdown with Shishkin in this race three years ago, nearly making all; only third in the 2023 Clarence House, which was rescheduled to Cheltenham; jumped right in the latter stages at Cork last month but made an encouraging return from lengthy absence, registering a third success in the Hilly Way having been left clear when closest pursuer Banbridge (subsequent King George winner) departed at the final fence; that bare form is subpar by his standards but he retains an impressive strike-rate (11-13 in this sphere) and is the best horse in this field on peak figures.
Has become a powerhouse in this division and is the current favourite for his upcoming first attempt at the Champion Chase, from which he was a late defector last season due to his stable being under a cloud; much too good for his rivals at Sandown most recently, registering a second success in the Tingle Creek and taking chase record to 11-13 (matches Energumene on that score); lacks fluency on occasions, including in this contest last year (rescheduled to Cheltenham) when finishing second and suffering one of his rare defeats, but has mostly jumped well this term and still has a 100% completion record; highly respected as usual.
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
