Energumene v Edwardstone clash is on - but only one other rival is set to appear

The highly anticipated Ascot clash between Energumene and Edwardstone moved a step closer with the two star chasers both on course to run in Saturday's LK Bennett Clarence House Chase (3.35).

Amarillo Sky is the only other potential runner following Monday's confirmation stage with Fugitif, Funambule Sivola, Messire Des Obeaux, Minella Drama and Sizing Pottsie taken out.

The Willie Mullins-trained Energumene will be seeking redemption in the big race having lost in an epic last season when beaten a length by Shishkin following a memorable tussle up the straight.

Energumene, who went on to land a Champion Chase double at Cheltenham and Punchestown, will take on last season's Arkle hero Edwardstone for the first time.

'That's the plan'

Energumene was a wide-margin winner of the Hilly Way Chase at Cork in December on his only start this season and will take his chance this weekend according to connections.

Sean Graham, racing manager for Tony Bloom, owner of Energumene, said: "That's the plan. Rather than go to Leopardstown at Christmas and then to the Dublin Racing Festival, we thought we'd go back to Ascot.

"He was so good in the Hilly Way and this route gave him an extra couple of weeks. This plan worked last year for him with Cheltenham in mind as well. Hopefully him being there will put a few people on the gate."

Edwardstone: cemented his place as a leading two-mile chaser with a brilliant nine-length win in the Tingle Creek last monthCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Edwardstone further cemented his place as a leading two-mile chaser with a brilliant nine-length win in the Tingle Creek in December but unseated when last seen in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas.

The Alan King-trained chaser was due to run at Ascot for the first time back in November but was taken out of the Hurst Park Handicap Chase due to unsuitably quick ground. The going at the track is currently soft, good to soft in places.

Amarillo Sky is rated 19lb lower than Edwardstone – and an additional 6lb behind Energumene – but has won his two starts this season.

It is poised to be just the fourth British Grade 1 race in the last ten years to be contested by just three runners. This race attracted a trio in 2019, when Altior won at odds of 1-10.

The field size is at least down by one on the four runners last season. A fourth-placed finisher was set to collect £9,327.

LK Bennett Clarence House Chase (3.35 Ascot, Saturday)

bet365: 4-6 Energumene, 5-4 Edwardstone, 20 Amarillo Sky

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