sportbible
The competitive arena of jump racing emphasizes that Jonbon has yet to face a field of ten or more horses in his 18 races.
Interestingly, I suspect that Nicky Henderson’s star — purchased for £570,000 at Goffs in 2020 — would genuinely flourish with increased competition, as what he really requires is a fiercely contested two-mile race.
1
As a result, Jonbon frequently has to take charge and dictate the pace, though this may not be necessary in today’s Tingle Creek (3.00).
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
Join Sun Racing’s exclusive Members Enclosure to receive Templegate’s tips first — and at the best prices.
Sign up today for just £1* to become part of racing’s most successful team and gain…
- Four free racing tickets throughout the year — valued at £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices ahead of the competition
- Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite available at 9pm today
- Unique insights from leading trainer Ben Pauling
- Monthly VIP competitions from Racing Breaks
- Exclusive offers for new customers with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month, then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless canceled at least 7 days before the next billing date. For further information, contact help@thesun.co.uk
Today’s Sandown Grade 1 speed test marks Jonbon’s quest for his second consecutive victory in the race, a feat last achieved by the legendary Kauto Star in 2005-2006.
On paper, it would be quite surprising if last season’s Grade 1 Aintree and Sandown champion were to be defeated.
However, some rivals have emerged to challenge Henderson’s chaser — even with Jonbon holding a comfortable 7lb edge over his eight opponents.
This field includes Boothill and Edwardstone, both of whom fell short against Jonbon at Cheltenham recently.
More formidable competitors are JPR One and Quilixios, the well-respected Irish entry from Henry De Bromhead.
JPR One finished third to Le Patron in the other Grade 1 contest today, the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, around this time last year.
Joe Tizzard’s charge returned this season with a commanding win over Djelo in the Haldon Gold Cup.
Quilixios, however, represents a greater threat to Jonbon.
De Bromhead’s horse, ridden by the skilled Darragh O’Keeffe, won the 2021 Triumph Hurdle and performed admirably when finishing eighth in this year’s Arkle, despite a poor start.
Cheveley Park Stud’s gelding commenced this season with a Grade 3 victory at Naas, where he defeated the top-class Marine Nationale.
While Quilixios’s performance seemed impressive, we will soon see how strong that form truly is.
Nevertheless, Jonbon remains unbeaten in four outings at Sandown, which includes wins in both the Tingle Creek and the Henry VIII.
If he secures victory today, they might as well name a race after him!
For the Henry VIII, the expectation is that the horses involved could develop into elite two-mile chasers in the future.
This could very well unfold this afternoon, with the impressive Cheltenham winner L’Eau Du Sud (1.50) making a return for the Dan and Harry Skelton team.
L’Eau Du Sud finished behind Absurde in the County Hurdle in March, but he appears set to become an even stronger chaser based on his two jumping performances this season. He’s exciting and has genuinely impressed me.
While the odds may suggest an easy win, this race is far more complex than it appears.
Down Memory Lane, guided by Gordon Elliott and Mark Walsh, is also in the mix and has only lost once in four starts, having demonstrated a dominant performance at Navan.
Rubaud is another contender for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden; he has shown promise over hurdles, but extra rain might not be beneficial for him.
Many racing fans will also be tuned in to the Aintree event on ITV, where there is usually a buzz surrounding the horses navigating the Grand National fences in the Becher Chase.
However, the undeniable reality is that the Becher offers little challenge this year.
While no one wishes harm upon the horses, the unique challenge of the Grand National fences has substantially diminished.
That is the unfortunate truth. Only two horses have fallen over the Grand National fences this year.
The significance of renowned obstacles like Becher’s Brook and The Chair has faded.
Once deemed the toughest track to traverse, Aintree is now one of the less daunting.
Nonetheless, I strongly believe King Turgeon (2.07), the recent Grand Sefton winner, will prevail once again.
David Pipe’s entry is up 8lb over a longer distance, but his previous performances indicate stamina and suggest he is an improving young horse still ahead of the curve.
For my nap of the day, I’m opting for Altobelli (2.25) in the two-mile handicap hurdle at Sandown.
Willmount needs to show he has returned to his previous form, so I’m backing Harry Fry’s Altobelli, who appears to be in a promising position.
Let’s hope for an exhilarating performance from Altobelli. Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Engaging with any of the offers in this article may lead to a payment to The Sun. Please note that brands pay fees for top page placements. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and monetary limits before wagering
- Only wagers with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases losses
- Doesn’t gamble when feeling upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
