Jonbon poised for Shloer Chase return on Friday

Jonbon is poised to make his traditional return in the Shloer Chase, as he headlines the nine entries for Friday’s feature race at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s star two-miler has won this Grade Two event the past two seasons before marching on to bigger and better things and it is no surprise to see him back at Prestbury Park to kick-start yet another campaign.

Among the opposition could be another race regular in Alan King’s Edwardstone, who chased Jonbon home in 2023 before returning to be third 12 months ago, while splitting that pair last year was Harry Fry’s Boothill, who is another in the mix.

Dan Skelton has entered experienced hand and recent course winner Calico entered along with L’Eau Du Sud, who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in an enthralling finish to the Arkle over course and distance last term as well as winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and Kingmaker in a top-notch novice campaign.

Evan Williams’ Libberty Hunter, Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies’ Matata, Haddex Des Obeaux – now with Donald McCain – and Anthony Honeyball’s Brookie are the other possibles.

John McConnell’s Champion Bumper runner-up Heads Up arguably sets the standard in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, a race won last year by the Twiston-Davies team who have this year given Old Roan Chase runner-up Master Chewy the option of reverting to timber in the Grade Two.

Elsewhere at Prestbury Park, Olly Murphy’s Wade Out could build on his victory over Wendigo at Worcester as one of seven in the Listed Sun’s “Save Our Bets” Novices’ Chase.