Shishkin’s a good bet to claim an Ascot win
Shishkin can enhance his already sky-high reputation by providing another tip-top performance in the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
Nicky Henderson's brilliant performer is as short as 4-5 favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase and win at the Festival for the third successive year after lifting the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Arkle Trophy.
His unbeaten run over fences stands at six thanks to winning the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last month on his first start since April when he silenced any doubters in some style. It was not just the fact he beat Tingle Creek victor Greaneteen by 10 lengths, but the way he went about his business without being put under any real pressure.
Shishkin could have a proper test against Energumene, who is his main market rival for the Champion Chase. Willie Mullins' eightyear-old is a dual Grade One winner from five races over fences.
The clash between the pair ahead of Cheltenham is one for racing fans to savour, but Shishkin has to get the vote.
Palmers Hill is two from two over the bigger obstacles this season and can take it to three in the bet365 Handicap Chase.
There was plenty to like about his win at Ascot last month when he powered away in the closing stages to beat Diego Du Charmil by nine and a half lengths.
Jonjo O'Neill's charge has two furlongs further to travel this time around, but he was showing no signs of stopping and was going away at the finish. On that evidence, Palmers Hill can defy an 8lb rise.
Emmpressive Lady can give trainer Sue Gardner her biggest triumph by landing the Grade Two SBK Mares' Hurdle.
The seven-year-old put up a career best display to date when scooting home by five and a half lengths from Tequila Blaze at Kempton last month.
The three miles clearly suited her that day and could be a factor in eking out more improvement.
Another Henderson star, Jonbon, is set to light up Haydock when he warms up for
Cheltenham in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle.
The full brother to 2015
Supreme winner Douvan has done everything asked of him so far since being bought by owner JP McManus for £570,000 in November 2020.
He is getting better with experience and has impressed on both his runs over timber so far. He looks a superstar in the making.
At the other end of the career spectrum, Lord Du
Mesnil can register his biggest success at the age of nine in the Grade Two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase.