Jonbon may be seen by many in the Champion Chase this year, but Paddy Brennan is not so sure and believes he is a tough one for the favorite in the Sirtam.
Nicky Henderson’s star made it 17 wins from 20 starts earlier this month with a shock victory over the two-time champion chaser in the Here Energumene at ASCOT’s Clarence home.
At the top of Wednesday’s stakes, the filly cemented the Cheltenham Festival he missed last year as Henderson’s seven-furlong yard was struck down by illness.
Jockey Nico de Boinville is dominating the ASCOT quarter-finals from the front, but his former weight room rival Brennan believes things will be tougher in March.
Speaking Infallible podcastBrennan said.
“Come on the champion, it won’t be easy for him. If he ever gets beaten, that will be the day.
“With the likes of Matata and IL, it will be a different ball game.
Matata in winning acts at the Winter Million Festival in Windsor
“I was impressed with Matata (at Windsor) and someone like him chasing a championship could be something that Jononon doesn’t need.
“When you look at Jonbon’s race at Cheltenham, when he’s been beaten, he has to go and prove himself. Even when he won the Schluer, he didn’t get over unwell.”
One of Brennan’s will follow…
Brannan also highlighted another horse for the yard follower that he knows very well – Fergal O’Brien.
Siog Geal looks like a talented young bear, the winter million meeting is successfully completed by Brennan’s former Eyecatchers Ome ob ubilee Alpha.
Jubilee Alpha lead to victory at Windsor with Feepther Siog Geal
“Sometimes you have to ride horses for the future and White shadow It looks like one,” Brennan said.
“There was a lot going against him – ground and trip at Windsor, but the handicap was moving forward, something like that in the EBF Mares Final at Newbury.
“I loved the way he hit the line in a very competitive race.”
One side Anniversary AlphaBrannan said:
“He’s got a nice time now ahead of Cheltenham and he’s definitely got a massive chance in the Mares’ ‘News’ Hurdle.”
“I love the way he goes about it and jumps. Most of all he will come to that Cheltenham Hill.”
