THE NAME’S BON.. JONBON
Nicky’s star has license to thrill in Arkle
TUESDAY’SAY’S BEST BETS JONBON (2.10) can maintain an unblemished chasing record by winning a red-hot Arkle.
The athletic seven-year-old faces an exciting rematch with El Fabiolo in a fabulous day one contest.
Jonbon beat Willie Mullins’ charge at the Aintree Festival over hurdles 11 months ago and the pair now go head-to-head in the two-mile novice chasing division.
It’s set to be a terrific battle with the tearaway Dysart Dynamo also in the mix for Ireland’s champion trainer.
Jonbon has lost just once over jumps, having to play second fiddle to stablemate Constitution Hill at last year’s Festival in the Supreme.
The bigger obstacles have proved no issue and Jonbon’s quality jumping might just hold the key to victory.
El Fabiolo was superb when winning a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out at Leopardstown but that was a hard race run at a breakneck pace.
The six-year-old has also not been quite as impressive in the jumping department as Jonbon, which may prove key in a fast-run event.
Dysart Dynamo is almost guaranteed to set a frenetic gallop and any chinks in jumping armour will be exposed.
Although Jonbon was given a brief scare last time out in a two-runner race, trainer Nicky Henderson is a master at getting them to peak for the big day. Now his star can emulate Shishkin, Altior, Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig by winning the prize.
While Constitution Hill is heavy odds-on and likely to win the Champion Hurdle, there is an open look to the Supreme. Facile Vega leads theh bettingbi – despitedi a poor effortff last time in Dublin – and MARINE NATIONALE (1.30) may get conditions to suit.
Barry Connell’s young gun has looked all speed during his career and his turn of foot can be a major weapon on quickish ground.
Marine Nationale was able to overcome softer conditions to win the Grade One Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in December before being put away for a break. Connell is convinced the six-year- old is the best horse in the race and he has bags of potential.
If you want bigger odds, RARE EDITION may also be worthy of a small bet. High class on the flat for Aidan O’Brien, the ability is all there.
The Mares’ Hurdle is a brilliant race and, provided original selection Marie’s Rock goes for the Stayers’, ECHOES IN RAIN (4.10) offers a bit of value for the
Mullins camp to thwart Honeysuckle’s farewell.
Fifth in the race last year, the seven-year-old will have improved for age and a 10-length win at Naas in January was ideal prep.
Echoes in Rain can benefit from a fast pace up front then pick off rivals on the home straight to get in the mix.
Gaillard Du Mesnil has the
National Hunt Challenge Cup at his mercy but the price will be dreadful.
CHEMICAL ENERGY (5.30) was lined up for it by the Gordon Elliott camp from the moment he won here in October and a jog around Naas last time was surely to blow off cobwebs.
Corach Rambler’s main target is the Grand National and LORD ACCORD (2.50) is a sneaky each-way choice in the Ultima, while COMMON PRACTICE (4.50) is the pick of a wide-open Boodles Juvenile Hurdle.