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'I'm torn between Shishkin and Energumene - but I wouldn't rule out the others!'

It could be Shishkin, it could be Energumene but it could also be one of the other two.

The early racing fans to have walked through Ascot's gates today are divided and confused about who will win the SBK Clarence House Chase (3.35).

Just a couple of minutes after Shishkin's jockey Nico de Boinville entered the racecourse at 10.45am, so, too, did the day's first racegoers, all of whom are expressing excitement about the Grade 1 clash between the sport's two most highly-regarded two-mile chasers.


Clarence House Chase: Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins on Saturday's big clash


"It's a tough one," said Ollie Smith from Cheltenham.

"My opinion is that we know how good Shishkin is. In theory he should go and win, but Energumene has loads of good form in Ireland and he could be anything.

The Clarence House Chase has got all jumps fans excited
The Clarence House Chase has got all jumps fans excited

"If I had to select one I would go for Shishkin, but, for me, it's pointless having a bet on the race. It's one to watch, enjoy and savour."

That was a tentative vote for the star of Nicky Henderson's stable. Next came a tentative vote for his Willie Mullins-trained challenger.

"I'm expecting to see Energumene and Shishkin upsides and then Energumene possibly getting his head in front," said Farnborough's Anna Forrest, adding: "Everyone is yelling about Shishkin, so I'm inclined to think Energumene is going under the radar."

John Burns from Slough finds it impossible to come up with a strong Clarence House opinion.

"I'm completely torn between Shishkin and Energumene because I follow both stables," he said. "Having said that, I wouldn't rule out First Flow or Amoola Gold, either!"

John Burns, like many Ascot racegoers, is finding it hard to split the big two in the Clarence House Chase
John Burns, like many Ascot racegoers, is finding it hard to split the big two in the Clarence House Chase

What does Terence Clayton from London think?

"I think there aren't enough runners, that's what I think," revealed Terence. "I also think the Irish horse will probably show that Ireland still have the best horses."

Does that mean Energuemene is shading it amongst the early Ascot racegoers? Fiona from Surrey appeared to confirm that.

"Is that the Eugene race?" she asked. "If it is, he's the one we're on – and we're really excited to be here."

On that point there would be total agreement.


Big-race analysis: Keith Melrose on why the Clarence House Chase dust-up is no two-horse race (Members' Club)


Saturday's race previews:

1.25 Haydock: Jonbon 'in great form' ahead of Supreme prep run but will he justify the hype?

1.40 Navan: Gordon Elliott urges Tiger Roll caution as road to Cheltenham continues

1.45 Ascot: 'If he can build on his last run he's got a great each-way chance'

2.00 Haydock: are Grade 1 ambitions justified for improving Tommy's Oscar?

2.35 Haydock: can Royale Pagaille defy huge weight concessions to defend Peter Marsh crown?

2.55 Ascot: 'No reason why he can't put up another good show' – key handicap chase quotes


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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 22 January 2022inNews

Last updated 15:54, 22 January 2022

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