Jonbon fit and firing ahead of Ascot Chase

Jonbon will be the last of Nicky Henderson’s A-team to undergo his Cheltenham Festival preparations in the spotlight when he seeks an Ascot Grade One double in the Betfair Ascot Chase.

The Seven Barrows stalwart stuck at his tried and tested two-miles to defend his Clarence House Chase crown and land an 11th top-level success in a dramatic, if also gruelling, renewal of the Berkshire track’s January feature.

He now makes a somewhat quick return to one of his favoured haunts for a step up in trip, which could pave the way to the Ryanair Chase next month.

“The plan is to go to Ascot with Jonbon next weekend,” said Henderson.

“He’s in great form and Paddy (Murphy) who rides him every day is happy and I have to be guided by him.

“Yes he’s backing up quite quickly but he’s done that before and at his age (10) he can probably do it.”

The majority of Henderson’s aces have already undergone their final racecourse appearances before the Cheltenham Festival, where despite the crushing loss of Champion Hurdle hope Sir Gino, Seven Barrows will field strong representation across the four days of action.

Lulamba was the latest to state his claims when the Arkle favourite followed in the footsteps of some decorated alumni of the historic Lambourn yard Sprinter Sacre and Altior by winning the Game Spirit at Newbury as a novice.

Henderson is now hoping he has strength in depth across the board to give his great mate and rival from Ireland Willie Mullins plenty to think about at National Hunt racing’s showpiece meeting.

Henderson said: “We’re trying to keep him awake and we’ve got some ammo haven’t we?

“I think the key from here, and no matter what everyone else is doing and what is happening, we’ve just got to concentrate on what we’ve got.

“We have to make sure we’re all right and losing Sir Gino out of the squad breaks your heart but we’ve got a good team. Nearly all the prep races on the racecourse are done and then we concentrate on getting the next month right and get this squad in place.

“The A team looks strong and the handicappers are not quite a B team, but I think we have a lot of ammunition in all departments which is very nice.”