Jonbon and Energumen are set to meet at Ascot on Saturday in what Nicky Henderson predicts will be a “huge battle” for the BetMGM Clarence House Chase crown.
Henderson jockey Jon Bong will be looking to build on his already impressive track record of Grade 1 wins and cement his position at the front of the Champion Chase bets at Cheltenham.
He has won 16 times in 19 career starts for the Seven Burrows team, with his only defeats coming at Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novice Hurdle, El Fabiolo at Arkle and last season at Cheltenham. The only Elixir de Nutz match in this race has been changed for. When I almost fell down several times.
This will be his first match against Energmen, who was trained by Jon Bon and Willie Mullins. Energmen won the Champion Chase in 2022 and 2023 but was sidelined for much of last season until winning in Cork last month.
Henderson and Mullins are treading familiar ground in a star showdown, with Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth each pairing up in the Christmas Hurdle, which was one of the highlights of Christmas.
Trainer Henderson said: “This could be a big battle and it’s great for the game. It’s going to be a race where people are going to be looking forward to it, just like at Christmas, high-class horses are going up against high-class horses. I hope he will become quite a star.” Claim.
“We’re looking forward to it and all the systems are working. The crowd really got behind him at Tingle Creek the other day, which is great. He deserves it. He’s already He’s been playing at the top table for quite some time, he used to be a young guy coming in. ”
Energumen is no stranger to the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, as Willie Mullins sent him from Crossatton in 2022 to face another Seven Barrows superstar, the late Shishkin.
The race is remembered as one of the best races at Ascot in recent years, with Energumene losing by one length as Shishkin’s famous late surge proved too much for him.
Revenge awaited at Cheltenham, however, as Shishkin pulled out early and Energumene easily won his first championship chase.
Henderson recalled: “That was one of the best races of all time. It lived up to what it was called, and it was great. Well, it was great for us, but I don’t think Willie enjoyed it that much.” As we did, it was on its way and eventually returned to our path.
“Energumene looked impressive in his comeback run a few weeks ago, so it looks like it will be a do-over, but it will be Jon Bong who will have to fight him.
“What’s interesting is that Jonbon is very happy[with the pace]. They could be just having a good gallop and it could be an aggressive game! This is a new It could be poised for a historic update.”
Old rivals Edwardston (Alan King) and Boothill (Harry Fry) are also on the list, with Evan Williams’ Liberty Hunter an attractive potential runner.
The nine-year-old finished second in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and third in the Grade 1 New Horse Company at Aintree, but looked like a horse who has improved after easily winning his return race.
Dan Skelton’s annual grand winner Unexpected Party completes the list of six possibilities.
