King’s uncertain about his plans for Edwardstone this weekend
Alan King to Make Late Decision on Edwardstone’s Tingle Creek Defense
The anticipation is high as trainer Alan King contemplates whether his star horse, Edwardstone, will defend his Tingle Creek crown or step up in trip for the Peterborough Chase. The nine-year-old secured an impressive victory in the Grade One Tingle Creek at Sandown last year but has failed to find success in his four starts since then.
In a disappointing reappearance run last month’s Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, where he was outclassed by Nicky Henderson’s favorite Jonbon, questions have arisen about Edwardstone’s stamina and the need for a more challenging test.
King now has the option of pushing his stable star up to two and a half miles for the first time over fences in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. However, plans remain uncertain due to unpredictable weather conditions.
“I’ve no idea where he’s going,” said King. “He’ll work tomorrow and I’ll speak with the owners on Thursday. We also need to consider how the ground holds up because Huntingdon is currently waterlogged.”
Edwardstone also holds an entry over three miles in Kempton’s prestigious King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, adding further intrigue to this decision-making process.
Jonbon Set for Betfair Tingle Creek Challenge
All eyes are on hot favorite Jonbon as he gears up for Saturday’s Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Trained by Nicky Henderson, this seven-year-old superstar boasts an impressive record of 11 wins from 13 races under rules; his only defeats coming at previous Cheltenham Festivals against formidable opponents such as Constitution Hill and El Fabiolo.
Last month marked Jonbon’s triumphant reappearance at Cheltenham, where he effortlessly clinched victory in the Shloer Chase. With odds heavily favoring him, Jonbon aims to replicate his success from last year’s Henry VIII Novices’ Chase on the same card.
“He was exceptional at Cheltenham, performing flawlessly,” said Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus. “Both Nicky and Nico (de Boinville) have expressed their satisfaction with his form leading up to Saturday’s race.”
However, there remains a lingering uncertainty over how Jonbon will fare on soft ground – a condition that is yet untested by this exceptional runner. Nevertheless, given his previous victories on similar terrain, hopes are high that he can handle it.