Trainer Alan King is eager for Edwardstone to take centre stage as he readies himself to face familiar rival Jonbon and the highly-fancied El Fabiolo in the upcoming Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday.
After guiding Energumene to consecutive victories, Willie Mullins is seeking a third triumph with El Fabiolo, who clinched the Arkle title at the previous year's Festival and boasts a perfect record of six wins over fences.
The primary threat to El Fabiolo's dominance is Jonbon from Nicky Henderson's yard, who, despite securing four wins in five starts since trailing behind El Fabiolo last year, suffered an upset defeat to Elixir De Nutz in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase in late January.
Edwardstone, victor of the 2022 Arkle under King's tutelage, was outmatched by Jonbon in both the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham and the Tingle Creek at Sandown earlier this season. However, a stellar performance in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury saw Edwardstone return to winning ways.
King, the handler at Barbury Castle and a former Champion Chase winner with Voy Por Ustedes in 2007, is confident in Edwardstone's abilities at the age of 10 and is anticipating a competitive showdown.
Expressing contentment with Edwardstone's preparations, King mentioned,
"He's in good form, completed his final intense training session yesterday, and had a successful schooling session this morning. Our preparation has been flawless, and he's in prime condition. We are optimistic."
As King acknowledges the quality of the competition, he remains steadfast in Edwardstone's capabilities. The stage is set for the showdown between El Fabiolo, Jonbon, and Edwardstone among the remaining eight contenders for the Champion Chase. Mullins will also field Gentleman De Mee, while Henry de Bromhead's Captain Guinness and Jonbon's Clarence House victor, Elixir De Nutz, are set to compete, alongside Boothill and Funambule Sivola.