On Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival the nerves of Nicky Henderson will be jangling all afternoon in anticipation of Jonbon (5/6) taking his chance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The state of play is that it's essentially Jonbon versus a host of Irish contenders; talented contenders at that. A break-neck gallop from start to finish is assured, with Solness (7/1) likely to be pushing a fast pace from the off.
Jonbon has looked bulletproof this year, arguably putting up a lifetime best performance when defeating Energumene (7/1) in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. The only real chink in the Jonbon armour is that he's never won at the Cheltenham Festival before. In 2022 he was no match for the mighty Constitution Hill in the Supreme; in 2023 he then lost out to El Fabiolo in the Arkle, and in 2024 he did not run. Outside of the festival he has won 2 of his 3 races at Cheltenham. The jury is still out on whether this is the Course that best plays to his strengths.
Energumene, trained by the master Willie Mullins, has won this race twice before in 2022 and 2023. It would be a fine effort to claim a third victory at the age of 11. He would probably appreciate the ground being a little softer though as both of his Champion Chase wins came on soft ground.
Last year's winner Captain Guinness (25/1) hasn't won a race since his biggest triumph 12 months ago and he has looked badly out of form this season. This also looks a stronger renewal, Henry De Bromhead is probably sending him there with hope of some place money.
Marine Nationale (5/1) is rather short in the market considering his only victory over fences was on his chasing debut in a Beginners Chase at Leopardstown. He's failed to win any Graded races since and twice finished behind Solness with no obvious excuses. He's 1 from 1 at Cheltenham, but his level of form seems to be many levels below the likes of Jonbon.