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At the end of the year the Clarence House Chase showdown between Shishkin and Energumene was widely considered the race of the year, with Willie Mullins’ and Nicky Henderson’s two-mile superstars battling all the way up Ascot in a tussle for the ages.
Clashes with so much hype surrounding them can be disappointing, but last year provided a classic that won’t be forgotten in a hurry, and half of the matches look set to turn into another blockbuster fight.
Energumene – now champion Chase hero – has poised to make a trip across the Irish Sea again to take the young pretender Edwardstone, himself the winner of the Cheltenham Festival after a perfect performance at Arkle last year.
We take a look back at the end of the year and consider the prospect of another epic at Ascot next Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Will top last year?
Well, it will take some doing! Last year’s epic Clarence House Chase clash between Shishkin and Energumene was highly anticipated and it was fully realized with the pair of two-mile heavyweights locking horns in the straight in an unforgettable match.
Paul Townend and Energumene looked to have the Champion Chaser holding on to the hurdles coming home after kicking off the final turn.
Shishkin is set to go the distance after the Sandown defeat
But Shishkin was galvanized by Nico de Boinville, edging back into the contest at the final fence before charging into the lead in the final 100 yards.
It would be Energumene and Mullins who had the last laugh, though, winning the Chase Chase on heavy ground at Cheltenham when Shishkin pulled up in the first mile of the race.
Energumene has continued his perfect run with an easy success in Cork, while Shishkin could only finish third at Tingle Creek at Sandown and will now step up on the trip.
Edwardstone the new British challenger
If Shishkin’s powers began to wane, one could argue that Edwardstone was the two-mile force that would come this side of the Irish Sea.
You can make some comparisons with Edwardstone, the two horses have won Arkle and Tingle Creek Chase for their owners.
Shishkin was always the favorite of the pair, having remained unbeaten in the finish before his run in last year’s Champion Chase.
Edwardstone cleared the last fence on his way to victory at Sandown
But while Edwardstone was a more humble hurdler, he has come a long way since taking on the bigger hurdles.
After being relegated on his chase debut, Edwardstone reeled off five consecutive wins, including Grade One glory in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and the Arkle Challenge Trophy, before settling on fresher competition in the Gentleman De Mee at Aintree.
And back to action this season sparkling at Tingle Creek, put away the defending champion Greaneteen and Shishkin in emphatic fashion, winning by nine lengths.
What are the chances for Edwardstone?
As for how likely it is that Edwardstone can beat the defending Champion chaser, you’d think a victory over Energumene would be more likely to come at Ascot than Cheltenham.
Both horses have a Festival win to their name, but importantly Energumene was beaten in this race last year by Shishkin, and will certainly give Edwardstone fans hope for a similar result.
The betting itself has Energumene as a general 8/13 shot, with Edwardstone at around 11/8 – a role reversal from last year when the Irish contender was a slight underdog to defeat the champion Arkle.
Energumene and Paul Townend clear the last fence to win The Bar One Hilly Way Chase in Cork
How do they bet for Cheltenham?
There isn’t much to bet on at Ascot next weekend, but Energumene remains the overwhelming favorite to land the Champion’s Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Mullins’ star two-miler is 8/11 favorite for the race, with Edwardstone next at 9/4. stablemate Energumene Blue Lord is a 6/1 chance and Greaneteen at 14/1, with 20/1 or greater others.
Watch the Clarence House Chase on Saturday 21 January, live on Sky Sports Racing.
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