Lizzie Kelly

FESTIVAL-WINNING JOCKEY

BRITAIN has some of its best chances on today’s first day of the Festival and one of our aces is definitely Nicky Henderson-trained JONBON in the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

He has plenty of ability, having finished second to brilliant stablemate Constitution Hill in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day of last year’s Festival. He has also won his three novice chases this season, including the Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

But what sways me and makes me choose him over his main opponent El Fabiolo is his sounder jumping. Sandown tests a horse’s technique as does Warwick and Aidan Coleman’s mount has won at both tracks, jumping really well.

In contrast, El Fabiolo made a number of mistakes and was slow away from his fences when he won the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown last month.