THERE are going to be a lot of disappointed Edwardstone supporters on Saturday aren’t there?
Or am I going to be mocked and laughed at? Time will tell.
Chappers is adamant Energumene has simply way too much class for Edwardstone in the Clarence House ChasePA
I’m already pumped as a pumped thing for the weekend action, and am heading to Ascot for Sky Sports Racing to cover the big Grade 1 LK Bennett Clarence House Chase over two miles and a furlong.
Last year it was a thriller, with Shishkin denying Energumene who is set to go again for the Irish champion trainer and jockey combination of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Bizarrely, Shishkin is now considered so slow by connections he’s not even entered for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
That, though, is a huge mistake and another story.
This time last year I was convinced Shishkin would smash up Energumene. It was a lot closer than I anticipated.
Now I’m equally sure Energumene will romp over Edwardstone.
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That means a whole load of social media racing fans are about to go crazy.
Not so long ago I suggested Edwardstone was a huge talent but a bit dull.
In a classic Twitter over-reaction, all hell broke loose. How dare I suggest such a thing!
Numerous tweeters even claimed Edwardstone was their favourite horse. I mean, really?
Edwardstone has raced 22 times for nine wins. He’s an Arkle winner and a Tingle Creek victor. But your favourite horse? Come on…
Let’s just forget, in recent times, the likes of Istabraq and Faugheen, Denman and Kauto Star, Best Mate and Tiger Roll, Big Buck’s and Paisley Park, Altior and Sprinter Sacre, Cue Card and Hurricane Fly, Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill.
Now of course anyone can say any horse is their favourite. And their favourite might be a 0-50-rated all-weather performer.
But who do the keyboard warriors think they are kidding?
Edwardstone is super talented. His rider Tom Cannon is one of my favourite jockeys and trainer Alan King is outstanding.
The owners of Edwardstone, Robert Abrey and Ian Thurtle, are also terrific lads who bred the horse.
But… Edwardstone as your favourite ever horse is a little bit insane. At least at this stage.
Anyway, Energumene – who is owned by billionaire Brighton supremo Tony Bloom – will win won’t he?
He’s the champion chaser, albeit he won a shocking event at Cheltenham, and is a classic good night out horse.
He can do it from the front or behind, and that makes him fairly bombproof.
Of course it’s a horse race and anything can happen. But I’ll be stunned if Energumene is not too good.
Should Edwardstone score – enjoy my grovelling on Sky on Saturday! Yeeehaaa!
Clarence House Chase odds via Ladbrokes
4-7 Energumene, 5-4 Edwardstone, 20-1 Amarillo Sky
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