Jonbon Eyes Second Tingle Creek Victory Against Seven Challengers

Jonbon, Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, will take on a field of up to seven rivals as he seeks back-to-back wins in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

The defending champion, who triumphed in the Grade One contest last year, is the odds-on favourite (1-2) following his commanding victory in Cheltenham’s Shloer Chase earlier this month.

Among his challengers is Edwardstone, the 2022 Tingle Creek winner trained by Alan King, who finished runner-up to Jonbon in last season’s renewal and third in the Shloer Chase. Harry Fry’s Boothill, the second-placed horse from Cheltenham, will also rejoin the fray.

Ireland’s hopes rest on Quilixios, trained by Henry de Bromhead, who recently impressed with a dominant victory over Marine Nationale at Naas. Joseph O’Brien could also field Solness, adding further depth to the competition.

Other notable entries include JPR One, winner of Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup for Joe Tizzard; Dan Skelton’s Unexpected Party; and Master Chewy, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. The latter’s assistant, Willy Twiston-Davies, expressed confidence in Master Chewy’s potential:

“He ran a solid race at Aintree in the spring and was running well in the Arkle before his fall. He’ll improve from his Ascot run, and on soft ground, he could have an each-way chance—or even surprise us.”

Race sponsors Betfair ranks Jonbon as the firm favourite, with Edwardstone (11-2) and Quilixios (13-2) considered the main threats.