'Forget the cost, he's very good' - Henderson focused for Jonbon's biggest test

Howden Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 1m7½f | 4yo+ | Sky

You will find it hard to find a better novice hurdle in Britain this side of the Cheltenham Festival. A handful of the most exciting equine talents, headed by Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Jonbon, will grace the Ascot turf in a race that is sure to provide numerous winners.

The Kennel Gate, which has been won by leading hurdlers L'Ami Serge (2014), Yanworth (2015) and My Drogo (2020) among others in the last decade, was long considered an early stepping stone for embryonic chasers. Although that theory remains true, we might not have to wait until these five runners encounter fences to witness greatness.

Few horses have dominated the headlines so early in their career as Jonbon, who is unbeaten in two starts under rules and a brother to eight-time Grade 1-winner Douvan. On the evidence of his Newbury victories, he appears to have the class to emulate his sibling's Supreme victory in 2015.

Much of the talk has surrounded his big pricetag, but money doesn't always buy brilliance. However, connections' dreams remain alive with Jonbon, who fended off a smart rival in Good Risk At All last time after a farcical start in which the eight runners walked for the first 51 seconds of the race.

Grade 2 winner I Like To Move It and front-running Irish raider Colonel Mustard should ensure an end-to-end gallop, which offers up a new test for Jonbon. His stamina seems assured, but he's yet to be tested. This is a big day for those who hold a Supreme ante-post ticket.

It's by no means a one-horse race, either, despite Jonbon's opening show of 1-2 this week. As well as I Like To Move It, he will have to repel the strong-travelling Elle Est Belle, who ran well against the boys in the Champion Bumper in March, and the unbeaten Knappers Hill.

Good ground will suit that pair, especially Knappers Hill, who has recorded three of his five victories on similar underfoot conditions. His trainer, Paul Nicholls, won this race with Irving (2013) and Capitaine (2016) and will be hoping Knappers Hill is the best of the lot. If Jonbon disappoints, he could pick up the pieces.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

'What Jonbon did at Newbury was of the highest class'

Nicky Henderson hopes leading prospect Jonbon can enhance his lofty reputation for his performances on the racecourse rather than his astronomical pricetag, in advance of a thorough test of his credentials.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old stepped forward from his easy bumper win to make a flawless first start over hurdles at Newbury last month.

That was his second success under rules since going under the hammer for £570,000 but Friday is a significantly tougher assignment, so much so that his trainer believes it is the best novice hurdle staged in Britain this season.

Nicky Henderson: trainer has a big opinion of JonbonCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Sometimes we've won this race without needing a superstar but whatever wins this is going to be a good horse," said Henderson.

"We're all getting very bored of reading what he costs, it's stale bread, what he did at Newbury was of the highest class. Forget the cost, he's just a very good horse but so are the others he's up against, so we'll see.

"He's got to do the same thing again against better horses, this is the best novice hurdle of the season by miles. We've been very happy with him at home, he's in good shape. You'd like to think he's come forward so may the best horse win."

While Jonbon appeared a natural over hurdles, Knappers Hill has been more of a slow-burner. Last season's Aintree bumper winner made mistakes at Chepstow but was much more professional when extending his record to five at Wincanton last month.

What they say

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of I Like To Move It
He's done nothing wrong this season and has won his races easily. The track would be fine and we'd have no worries about the ground. He's got the form in the book and hopefully he can step up a bit again.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Knappers Hill
He did well in bumpers last season but he wasn't the most natural to start off with jumping, which is why I wanted to get two runs into him for experience before coming to this meeting, which has always been the plan. He's won five on the trot now and goes there with a right chance.

Lorna Fowler, trainer of Colonel Mustard
He travelled over on Wednesday and has settled in fine. We're happy to take our chance although it is an incredibly hot race. He has an experience advantage over his rivals and this is all about finding out more about him. He is much better than last year and has become a lot more focused in everything he does. We're looking forward to it.
Reporting by James Stevens

Read more:

Much-vaunted and unbeaten Jonbon seeks to win over the betting public at Ascot (Members’ Club)

2.50 Ascot: 'A clear round would be nice' - Pic D'Orhy's jumping a key factor in Grade 2

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