Energumene v Edwardstone (v Amarillo Sky): assessing the Clarence House Chase

The Grade 1 LK Bennett Clarence House Chase (3.35 Ascot, Saturday) lacks quantity but not quality, with superstar Energumene set to clash with Tingle Creek hero Edwardstone for the first time. Here's what you need to know for the blockbuster showdown . . .

Energumene

Form: 121-11

What he's done so far: Last year's Clarence House was lauded as one of the best races of the season as Energumene lost out by just a length in a spectacular duel with Shishkin.

He bounced back from the defeat in imperious fashion with an eight-and-a-half length success in the Champion Chase, a crown he will be bidding to defend in March.

Success at Punchestown capped a fine season for the nine-year-old and he opened his account this campaign in similar style, when eased over the line to win the Hilly Way Chase at Cork last month by 15 lengths.

Willie Mullins: trainer of last year's runner-up EnergumeneCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Strengths: Energumene's tendency to race prominently often pays dividends at a track like Ascot, although connections may be cautious of employing the same tactics after being reeled back by Shishkin 12 months ago.

Luckily, Energumene's Cheltenham success proved he was equally willing to be held up and now offers jockey Paul Townend a variety of pace options in what is sure to be a tactical affair.

He suffered no shame in defeat in last year's contest, his first run at Ascot, and now holds the edge of course experience over Edwardstone.

Weaknesses: Energumene's loss in last year's Clarence House showed that it was possible for a British challenger to land a blow against the champion two-miler, and a top-class performance by Edwardstone could see him repeat the feat.

He was reeled in by Shishkin despite looking the likely winner on the turn for home and he will need to deliver a much more authoritative finish to pull away from his speedy rival.

While Edwardstone stormed clear of two notable chasers in Shishkin and Greaneteen on his seasonal debut, Energumene's reappearance was a much less-competitive affair, and it's hard to know exactly what form he needed to show to see off his three rivals.

Odds: 4-6

What they say:Willie Mullins, trainer (after winning the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork, December 11)

"He loves jumping – he has a great appetite for it. You're lucky when you have a horse like that. Edwardstone is a very good horse. He showed that last season and is back to form again now. He's one we're not looking forward to taking on."

Paul Townend, rider

"Energumene has grown up a lot in the last year. He was such a good jumper as a novice that we let him roll, but now you can put him anywhere in a race and it makes no odds to him. That is a great asset to have. He felt really good at Cork, every bit as good as he felt last season when I rode him. He's such a good jumper and I really enjoy riding him."

Edwardstone

Form: 112-1U

What he's done so far: Last season's Arkle winner made an effortless start to chasing in open company on his reappearance this winter when landing the Tingle Creek at Sandown.

He dispatched last year's winner Greaneteen and Shishkin with ease that day to claim his third Grade 1 success, and was consequently made odds-on favourite to follow up in the Desert Orchid Chase over Christmas. Unfortunately, a blunder at the first open ditch unseated Tom Cannon and the race was left for Editeur Du Gite to confidently snap up.

Strengths: When Edwardstone is on song, there's very little to find fault with. His change of gears from two out in the Tingle Creek was particularly striking, leaving his tiring rivals toiling in his wake as he sprinted clear with enthusiasm.

He clearly thrives under regular course appearances and his return in the Clarence House, although not originally the plan, is no cause for worry.

Soft ground is essential for Edwardstone and King would rather withdraw his runner than risk running on good ground. But with the going at Ascot currently good to soft with a week to go, ideal conditions are expected for this top-level clash.

Edwardstone: needs to bounce back from an early exit at Kempton last monthCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Weaknesses: The biggest uncertainty with Edwardstone is the track, which is an unknown quantity for the nine-year-old. Ascot's testing nature requires accurate jumping and can favour prominent runners, which would not play into Cannon's hold-up tactics from the Tingle Creek.

Edwardstone's ability right-handed is already proven this season, however, although Cannon expressed some concern over Edwardstone's jumping last time out at Kempton.

Yet whatever issues may have cropped up over Christmas seem to have disappeared, with trainer Alan King happy to divert to a more imminent target than the original Game Spirit Chase next month.

Odds: 5-4

What they say:Alan King, trainer

"I'd originally said after his early departure that we were going to stick with the plan of heading straight to Newbury for the Game Spirit Chase, but he's come out of Kempton really well, was foot-perfect when he schooled and is now set to go to Ascot.

"It's a Grade 1, so he'll be taking everything else on at level weights this time, and he should still be able to run in the Game Spirit. He's a horse who wants racing, rather than wrapping in cotton wool. He thrived on a busy campaign last season and if anything he was too fresh at Kempton – he was quite full of himself in the preliminaries."

The other contender

Amarillo Sky is the only other remaining entry for the Grade 1 event and has plenty to find on ratings. The Joe Tizzard-trained chaser has won his two starts this season – both in handicap company – but this is a big jump to top-level company. Amarillo Sky is rated 19lb lower than Edwardstone – and an additional 6lb behind Energumene – but even if he finishes last of three, his connections will collect £18,725 in prize-money.

LK Bennett Clarence House Chase (3.35 Ascot, Saturday)

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

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