Jonbon Set for Next Test in Tingle Creek Chase
After making a winning start to the season at Cheltenham in the Shloer Chase, a lot will be expected of Jonbon when he next lines up in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Nicky Henderson’s runner will be bidding to prevail for the seventh time in eight outings over fences.
The seven-year-old’s only defeat so far as a chaser came in the Arkle Trophy at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival when he had to settle for second place behind El Fabiolo. Those two horses are likely to renew their rivalry again next March in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Henderson’s Star a Warm Favourite for Sandown Success
Jonbon goes into the 2023 Tingle Creek Chase as the 1/4 favourite in the racing odds for the two-mile (2m) contest. He won at the same meeting in 2022 when he landed the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.
Based on his performance on his seasonal reappearance, Jonbon is likely to be one of the leading horse racing tips for the Tingle Creek Chase. The two-time Grade One winning chaser was at his best at Cheltenham’s November Meeting, beating Edwardstone by just over nine lengths. He also had Nube Negra and Editeur Du Gite behind him at Prestbury Park in the four-runner contest.
Jonbon now has an official rating of 166, the highest he has had in his career. If he can produce another big performance at Sandown, he could be pushing towards the 170 mark before the new year.
Edwardstone Looking to Defend His Crown
In what was the biggest win of his career so far, Edwardstone won the Tingle Creek Chase in 2022, enhancing his reputation as one of the best 2m chasers in the UK and Ireland. In what was a strong renewal that included both Greaneteen and Shishkin, it was Alan King’s runner who shined at the Esher-based venue, scoring by nine lengths.
Unfortunately for the connections of Edardstone, he has been unable to add to his tally since that Grade One triumph. He unseated his rider in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton and then had to settle for second place in the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham.
King will be encouraged by his horse’s performance in the Shloer Chase. Although he proved no match for Jonbon, he ran on strongly at the finish to take second place. He is also likely to improve from that run on his opening appearance of the season, as he bids to defend his crown at Sandown.
Sandown has been a track that has suited Edwardstone so far in his career. The British-based horse has a 100% record there, with two wins from two starts. He is likely to be held up at the back of the field by Tom Cannon, and the rider will be hoping his horse stays on better than any of his rivals again.
There are currently 10 horses with entries for this year’s Tingle Creek Chase, with Captain Guinness, L’Homme Presse and Haddex Des Obeaux being the other notable runners set to contest the race.