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The competitive arena of jump racing is underscored by the fact that Jonbon has never faced a field of ten or more horses in his 18 races.
Interestingly, I contend that Nicky Henderson’s standout horse — purchased for £570,000 at Goffs in 2020 — would likely excel with more rivals, as he truly benefits from a fiercely-contested two-mile race.
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As a result, Jonbon frequently has to take charge and dictate the pace, although this might not be required in this afternoon’s Tingle Creek (3.00).
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Today’s Grade 1 showdown at Sandown marks Jonbon’s attempt for a second consecutive victory in this race, a feat last accomplished by the legendary Kauto Star in 2005-2006.
On paper, it would be a significant upset if last season’s Grade 1 champions from Aintree and Sandown were to be defeated.
However, some rivals have emerged to challenge Henderson’s chaser — even with Jonbon enjoying a comfortable 7lb advantage over his eight competitors.
This group features Boothill and Edwardstone, who both fell short against Jonbon at Cheltenham recently.
Notable challengers include JPR One and Quilixios, the esteemed Irish entry from Henry De Bromhead.
JPR One finished third behind Le Patron in the other Grade 1 race today, the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, around this time last year.
Joe Tizzard’s charge returned this season with a commanding victory over Djelo in the Haldon Gold Cup.
However, Quilixios presents a greater challenge for Jonbon.
De Bromhead’s horse, ridden by the talented Darragh O’Keeffe, claimed victory in the 2021 Triumph Hurdle and showed promise finishing eighth in this year’s Arkle, despite a challenging start.
Cheveley Park Stud’s gelding began this campaign with a Grade 3 win at Naas, where he beat the top-class Marine Nationale.
While Quilixios’s performance appeared impressive, we will quickly discover how solid that form truly is.
Nonetheless, Jonbon remains unbeaten in four outings at Sandown, including wins in the Tingle Creek and Henry VIII.
If he triumphs today, perhaps they should name a race in his honor!
For the Henry VIII, there is anticipation that the involved horses could develop into elite two-mile chasers in the future.
This could very well be the case this afternoon, with the impressive Cheltenham winner L’Eau Du Sud (1.50) returning for the Dan and Harry Skelton team.
L’Eau Du Sud finished behind Absurde in the County Hurdle last March, but he seems set to become an even stronger chaser based on his two jumping performances this season. He is exciting and has genuinely impressed me.
The odds might suggest an effortless victory, yet there’s more depth to this race than first appears.
Down Memory Lane, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Mark Walsh, is also in contention and has only tasted defeat once in four starts, having demonstrated a dominant performance at Navan.
Rubaud is another contender from Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden; he has displayed potential over hurdles, although additional rain may not suit him.
Many racing fans will also be tuned into the Aintree card on ITV, where the excitement typically revolves around the horses tackling the Grand National fences in the Becher Chase.
Yet, the stark reality is that this year’s Becher offers little challenge.
While we do not wish for horses to fall, the essence of the Grand National fences as a unique hurdle in the sport has lessened.
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 diminished.
Once revered as the most arduous course to navigate, Aintree is presently one of the least challenging.
Despite this, I believe King Turgeon (2.07), the recent Grand Sefton winner, will achieve victory once more.
David Pipe’s entry is up 8lb over a longer distance, but his previous form suggests he possesses stamina and is an improving young horse still on the rise.
For my nap of the day, I’m opting for Altobelli (2.25) in the two-mile handicap hurdle at Sandown.
Willmount must show he can return to his previous form, so I’m backing Harry Fry’s Altobelli, who appears to be in a favorable position.
Let’s hope for an exhilarating performance from Altobelli. Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
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