Cannon Confident Edwardstone Will Make a Mark in the Champion Chase

Tom Cannon is optimistic that Edwardstone can have a significant impact on the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival if he replicates his impressive performance at the Game Spirit race.

The talented chaser, trained by Alan King, returned to form with a commanding front-running victory at Newbury earlier this month. This win marked King's second success in the Grade Two event, following Sceau Royal's triumph.

Having secured his first win since the 2022 Tingle Creek and breaking a six-race losing streak, the 10-year-old Edwardstone is now priced as the 8-1 third-favourite for the Champion Chase, behind El Fabiolo from Willie Mullins' stable and his familiar rival Jonbon.

Cannon expressed his confidence in Edwardstone's chances, stating,

"He has firmly placed himself in contention. With a change in tactics, hopefully, he can challenge Jonbon more closely, and anything beyond that would be a bonus. If he maintains the form he showed at Newbury, where he performed exceptionally, and given his good track record at Cheltenham, we are hopeful to get him there in top condition, and the rest is up to fate”. 

Edwardstone's Arkle victory at the 2022 Festival marked a career highlight for Cannon. However, disappointment followed the next year when he finished fifth in the Champion Chase, trailing 64 lengths behind the dominant Energumene.

Nevertheless, Cannon is buoyed by Edwardstone's current form and believes he is better prepared for a second attempt at the Champion Chase. The jockey has been impressed by the horse's performance this season, stating, "He seems to be in much better shape compared to last year. If he continues this form, I am optimistic he will be competitive”.

Reflecting on Edwardstone's recent races, Cannon added,

"He has shown significant improvement this season, particularly evident in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham where he felt like his old self. His strong performance at Newbury, over the two-mile distance that suits him better, is promising. If we can maintain a good pace and rhythm, the best horse will prevail in the end”.