Festival in Cheltenham: Jonbon things could be harder at Champion Chase, Paddy Brennan tells Unbridled | Race news
Jonbon many may see as a banker at Champion Chase this year, but Paddy Brennan is not so safe and believes there is one outsider who could make her favorite life in Cheltenham.
Star Nicky Henderson achieved 17 victories from 20 starts earlier this month with a startling victory over the double Champion Chase Hero Energumene at Clarence House in Ascot.
This was a jonbon at the top of the betting on Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival, the race he missed last year because Seven Barrow’s Henderson’s courtyard was affected by the disease.
Jokej Nico de Boinville dominated four runners in Ascota, but his former Brennan weighing rival thinks things will be harder in March.
Speaking o Unbridled podcastBrennan said, “I watched Jonbon and I thought it was a brilliant ride in such a race with four runners where he could dictate.
“Come to Champion Chase, it won’t be so easy for him. If he is ever winning, it will be that day.
“With such such as Matata and Il est Francais, it will be a different match.
“I was impressed with matte [at Windsor] And someone like him at the Champion Chase could be something that Jonbon should not need.
“When you look at Jonbon’s race in Cheltenham when he is defeated, he has to go and prove himself. Even when he won Shloer, he didn’t look invincible.”
Brennan should follow …
Brennan also highlighted another horse for a courtyard who knows very well – Fergal O’Brien.
Siog Geal looks like a talented young mare, who came strongly for one of Brennan’s previous Jubilee Alpha who attracted attention to the Winter Million meeting.
“Sometimes you have to choose horses for the future and Siog Geal Looks like that, “Brennan said.
“There was a lot against her – soil and running – in Windsor, but with a handicap moving forward, something like the EBF Mares finale with a groin for beginners in Newbury, she would be one of those who would stay on the right.
“I liked the way she hit the line in a very competitive race.”
On Alpha jubileeBrennan said, “She was good at Windsor, but, as Paul Nicholls said, it was only 20 days after Taunton.
“Now he has a wonderful time before Cheltenham and definitely has a great opportunity in Mares ‘Novices’ Hurdle.
“I like the way she does and jumps. Most of all, she will climb to that Cheltenham hill.”
