3 minute read
Jonbon adds sparkle to jumps finale at Sandown as five declared for Celebration Chase
JP McManus' star novice-chaser impressed when a wide-margin winner of the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree a fortnight ago. Nicky Henderson searches for a sixth success in the race as Jonbon bids to emulate the likes of Sprinter Sacre and Altior. He will face four rivals on his first start outside of novice company including last year's winner Greaneteen. Paul Nicholls' runner was a resounding twelve-length winner last season but finished well-held when third behind Energumene in the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month. Captain Guinness, who finished runner-up in the aforementioned event also takes his place alongside Grade 1 Clarence House winner Editeur Du Gite. Venetia Williams' Funambule Sivola rounds out the quintet.
Scottish Grand National Victor Kitty's Light makes a quick reappearance.
Christian Williams' poignant Scottish Grand National Winner Kitty's Light returns just seven days after landing the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. A final of field of 18 has been declared for the bet365 Gold Cup (Handicap) at Sandown (2.15) on Saturday and the Christian Williams-trained runner will escape a 6lb rise for last weekend's valiant success.
Champion trainer-elect Paul Nicholls has declared a trio of runners in a three-pronged attack. Fan-favourite Frodon heads the weights and will be partnered by regular rider Bryony Frost while Enrilo takes his place alongside the hat-trick-chasing Broken Halo. The JP McManus-owned Musical Slave will be looking to go one place better than last season while Gordon Elliott's The Goffer ensures there is interest from across the Irish Sea.
Hewick makes Sandown return.
Last season's bet365 Gold Cup (Handicap) hero Hewick has opted not to defend his crown and instead will face six rivals in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at 2.50.
Shark Halon's stable star bypassed yesterday's Punchestown Gold Cup in favour of a return to the Esher venue. Rachael Blackmore will partner the eight-year-old Galway Plate winner for the first time.
Harry Cobden looks to have chosen Solo over McFabulous as Paul Nicholls attempts to win the race for a fourth consecutive year. 2021 Grade 1 Clarence House Chase winner First Flow will be looking to bounce back from an early fall at Ascot in February and the sole mare in the line-up, Fantastic Lady, will be looking to build on an excellent second in the Topham at Aintree last-time-out.
Elsewhere on Saturday.
The King Richard III Cup Handicap has attracted a field of eight as Leicester hosts a seven-race afternoon card on the flat. There is continued Grade 1 action at Punchestown with both the Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle and Ballymore Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle taking centre stage.
There is further afternoon action on the flat courtesy of Haydock and Ripon while Wolverhampton provides some AW evening racing. Doncaster will also play host to seven interesting races on Saturday evening with the action kicking off at 5.10.
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