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The Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon will take on three rivals in this afternoon's Shloer Chase at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old is now five from six over fences after his commanding three-and-a-half length success in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown back in April and Henderson's charge will be a warm order to continue the winning thread.

Henderson said: "I'm looking forward to the race within reason, well as much as you ever do.

"He's done plenty but with Edwardstone and Nube Negra, it's a good competitive opener for the season.

"He proved over two miles [what he can do] and I was always wanting to go two and a half. We're going to have to ask the same question again on Sunday. Does he want two and a half? We'll ask the question again anyway."

Amongst the opposition will be Nube Negra, who arrives seeking a third-straight victory in the contest after landing the prize on the last two occasions.

The Dan Skelton-trained runner will have no issues following his break but may prefer slightly quicker conditions.

"Statistics show Nube Negra is very good first time out. I can't deny that, he's trying to be a three-time winner of the Shloer and that would be phenomenal," said Dan Skelton.

"There is every right to be proud of what he is doing rather than saying 'down the road he gets beaten in the Champion Chase'. Of course, we'd love to win that but I'm proud of what he can do, not what he hasn't.

"This has been his big aim and he's very ready."

Alan King's Edwardstone disappointed when fifth in the Champion Chase at Prestbury Park in March but had previously fought out the finish with the reopposing Editeur Du Gite in the rearranged Clarence House Chase here.

Edwardstone's jockey Tom Cannon said: "He was struggling down the back with me in the Champion Chase, as he normally takes you into a race very easily.

"I knew at the top of the hill that I had to ask a few questions of his jumping down the back, and he responded, but I used my petrol up earlier than I liked.

"Once we jumped three out and turned in, I wasn't holding on to a lot of horse, which I think was there for everyone to see, really.

"That wasn't Edwardstone at his best, but we should see a different side to him at the weekend."