Today on Sky Sports Racing: Jonbon and Energumene clash in Clarence House showdown | Racing news
What a day ahead! Champion Chase favorite Jonbon takes on Willie Mullins’ Energumene in what promises to be a pulsating BetMGM Clarence House Chase clash – live on Sky Sports Racing…
3.32 Ascot – Meeting of the best Jonbon and Energumene hunters
Trained by Nicky Henderson Jonbon brings with him a fantastic CV, having won eight Grade 1 races from his 19 career starts. He is 2-2 this season after winning the Shloer Chase on his return before easily landing Tingle Creek at Sandown and looks set to beat him in BetMGM Clarence House Chase under his usual partner, Nico de Boinville.
Veteran Willie Mullins Energumene made it third in the Hilly Way Chase on his return to the season and comes here looking for his seventh win at the highest level. Willie Mullins’ 11-year-old should be fitter but will need to be as good as ever if he is to beat the favourite.
Edwardstone he’s still looking for that elusive win over his nemesis Jonbon after five unsuccessful attempts, but Alan King perseveres here. Boothill completes a quartet for Harry Fry.
2.50 Ascot – Bo Zenith and Altobelli compete in a competitive H’cap
Nicky Henderson saddles Bo Zenit who ran a stunning third at Cheltenham on his return from layoff and this extra distance could lead to further improvement in this BetMGM Holloway Hurdles Handicap.
Harry Fry Altobelli will be popular after staying on strongly in third behind Mirabad at Doncaster and provided he does not bounce; he evaluates the two-way player with the first added cheeks.
Kamsinas and Doddiethesuper are worth mentioning outdoors.
1.40 Ascot – Kargese reappears seasonally
All eyes will be on Willie Mullins’ classy mare Karges while making a seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle.
A Grade 1 four-year-old hurdler winner at the Punchestown Festival, hopes are high and she should take it before she steps up to grade. Her trainer mentioned the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham as a long-term plan.
Don’t risk it leading the dangers for Dan Skelton and Kielan Woods. A winner in listed company at Wetherby back in November, she finished a solid third in handicap company at Cheltenham last month and a repeat of that would see her in the money.
Ben Clarke Oh Betty is worth her chance in this class after landing a decent handicap hurdle at Kempton last time.
The best of the rest
Triumph over hurdles Lullaby starred on his only previous appearance at Auteuil and heads to British soil for the first time for Nicky Henderson in the BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle. Viyanna could pose a danger to the combination of Derham and Burke, doc Mondo man makes his first start over hurdles for Josh and Gary Moore.
Grand National fifth Kitty’s Light features with I’m alone and Unanswered prayers in the BetMGM Handicap Chase at 1.05pm before Hitman and Martyr to face in bet365 Handicap Chase.
At Lingfield, Second Class BetMGM: It’s time for the beginner stakes at 11.45 see Humm and Cluster one game, with Sean Levey taking the last time out winner Well, enough.
There is also BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies Handicap at 1:25 p.m., where Charlotte’s Web it goes for a quadruple hour. Star of Santorini will probably be in the best position to deny her in the colors of Tony Bloom, after two consecutive victories.
