3 minute read

Alan King is eyeing a step up in trip for star chaser Edwardstone, after a good second behind Jonbon in Saturday's Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park.

Connections had been open to the possibility of stepping the gelding up in trip prior to Saturday, with the subsequently abandoned two-and-a-half Grade 2 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday as an option.

Whilst Edwardstone managed to get closer to old rival Jonbon at Sandown compared to their previous meeting in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, it appears Nicky Henderson's charge is superior over two miles and a longer trip could open new doors for King's chaser. 

"He ran very well and has come out of it well and we'll probably look to step him up to two-and-a-half in the new year," said King.

"He's definitely not going for the King George, but there is the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton in January. We'll have a look at that and, whether he goes there or not, I think his next run will be over two-and-a-half, as it will give us an idea what we're doing with him."

"You've obviously got Jonbon and the horse in Ireland and you wouldn't really look forward to taking those two on [in the Queen Mother Champion Chase]."