Henderson acknowledges size of the task for Jonbon at Ascot

Nicky Henderson is under no illusions about the task facing Jonbon as he bids turn the tables on Il Etait Temps in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

The JP McManus-owned Jonbon claimed his ninth Grade One victory in this race 12 months ago and moved up to double figures by successfully defending his crown in the Melling Chase at Aintree over two and a half miles in the spring.

However, he was no match for Etait Temps in the Celebration Chase at Sandown at the end of the season and the Willie Mullins-trained grey reasserted his dominance in the Tingle Creek in December.

Ahead of a third clash at the weekend, Henderson said: “He (Il Etait Temps) has beaten us the last two times, so I can’t make any rash statements on that score – he’s beaten us twice.

“He’s not as young as he was and the other horse is, that’s all that’s happening. Over two miles it makes a big difference, of course it does.”

Jonbon and Il Etait Temps are part of a select entry of five for the £175,000 feature event on day two of Berkshire Winter Million Festival, which starts at Windsor on Friday.

The big two might not have it all their own way, with the remarkable Thistle Ask leading the opposition. The nine-year-old was rated just 115 after leaving James Ewart to join Dan Skelton last year, but he is now four from four for his current connections and big-race wins in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Desert Orchid Chase have earned him this step up to the highest level.

Gidleigh Park is an interesting contender for Harry Fry, dropping back to two miles for the first time since winning the Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor on this weekend a year ago. The eight-year-old was last seen finishing second in Ascot’s 1965 Chase behind Jango Baie, who did that form no harm with an excellent effort in the King George on Boxing Day.

The potential field is completed by the Joe Tizzard-trained JPR One.