Nicky Henderson: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life'

Wednesday: 3.30 CheltenhamBetway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

And so, 53 days later, more than 221 yards shorter, Shishkin and Energumene renew a rivalry that is still in its infancy but has already captured our imagination. Ascot was epic, could this be even spicier?

Shishkin, bar an early exit in a maiden hurdle at Newbury in December 2019, would be unbeaten under rules. He has won 11 of his 12 starts and some of those victories have been spectacular.

Last year's Arkle win was by a dozen lengths and he put ten lengths between himself and Tingle Creek winner Greaneteen in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas.

That was Shishkin at his most flamboyant, but the Clarence House was Shishkin at his most tenacious. No matter what question Energumene threw at him, he came up with every single answer.

And some of those were extremely tricky. He looked stumped for a few strides after the last but, just when the buzzer was about to go and his time looked up, he got it.

That is what Shishkin does. He gets the job done, no matter what he is asked to do.

Nicky Henderson has said Shishkin's mind is in the right place and that, in his opinion, is the most important thing.

The trainer said: "His nerves are fine and that's all that matters! He's in good form and everything building up to the race has gone really well, so we have to be happy. I can't do any more with him now but I couldn't be happier with what he has done.

"He came out of the Ascot race in really good shape and recovered from it very quickly, which was pleasing. He's just had a nice preparation, so he's now got to go out there and do it.

"We've been very lucky over the last few years with these top two-mile chasers and it's exciting to be going to this race with another very good one."

Not only does Shishkin have to try to beat Energumene again, but he has to tackle Chacun Pour Soi too. This is arguably the highest quality Champion Chase in the last decade.

When asked about the magnitude of the test facing Shishkin, Henderson replied: "This is going to be the biggest test of his life."

The exceptional eight-year-old is attempting to win at a third festival in a row having won the Supreme in 2020 and the Arkle last year. He is odds-on to complete the glorious hat-trick, and deservedly so.

Townend: 'It was nearly impossible to decide. I went for the younger horse'

Paul Townend has admitted it wasn't until the last possible moment that he decided to snub Chacun Pour Soi for Energumene, describing the decision as "nearly impossible".

The Irish champion jockey has ridden Chacun Pour Soi for seven of his eight wins since joining Willie Mullins, but it's his younger stablemate in whom Townend has put his faith.

Energumene has a length to find on Shishkin from their Clarence House clash, but it's worth remembering this race is 221 yards shorter. It's also worth remembering he traded at 1.13 in running and looked home and hosed for a few strides after the last. It may not be as cut and dried as the betting suggests.

Townend said: "Picking between Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi ahead of the Champion Chase was nearly impossible. I didn’t make up my mind until the last minute. I have just gone with the younger horse for the rematch."

Speaking in his Ladbrokes blog, he added: "I love Chacun Pour Soi but he disappointed here last year and he has disappointed every time he has crossed the pond. There are a few different things pointing me towards Energumene, but I could be on the wrong one.

"I am happy with my choice and if he doesn’t win, I really hope Chacun does. Going on Ascot, I would have to give myself a real chance against Shishkin. We were only a length behind him that day and the experience of that race will stand to him."

Willie Mullins believes the forecast rain could be a big help to Energumene in his quest to exact revenge on Shishkin.

He said: "There's a lot of rain forecast and that could bring Energumene really into the race. If the 11mm I saw in one forecast arrives, I think that would be a big thing in Energumene's favour. However, Chacun Pour Soi is in great form and both horses have chances.

"The experience from Ascot could be a plus for Energumene if it hasn't taken too much out of him. He had a really hard race the last day and then he had a little setback about 12 days ago, but his final bits of work have been very good, so we're happy with him."

Patrick Mullins has been the one to pick up the scraps Townend has left behind and what delicious scraps they are in this instance – the 176-rated Chacun Pour Soi.

The most successful amateur of all time rode Chacun Pour Soi in the Tingle Creek in December, but that did not go according to plan and the pair trailed in last of the five runners behind Greaneteen.

Mullins is convinced that wasn't the real Chacun Pour Soi, though, and is delighted to get a chance to set the record straight.

Patrick Mullins said: "I'm delighted to get a go on Chacun Pour Soi and we think he's back to his best. He travelled over fine. It's going to be a fantastic race with Shishkin and Energumene, but we know what Chacun is capable of and I can't wait to have another go on him."

Are the De Bromhead duo being overlooked?

This time last year, if you were told Put The Kettle On would be 33-1 to successfully defend her crown, you would have laughed. Indeed, back then, if you were told Envoi Allen would be 25-1 to claim her crown, you probably would have laughed a little louder.

A year is a long, long time in jump racing and over the last 12 months Put The Kettle On and Envoi Allen have seen their reputations dented on quite a few occasions.

Put The Kettle On has completely gone off the boil judging by her latest lethargic effort at Fairyhouse, but Henry de Bromhead is seeing more positive signs from her at home of late.

Put The Kettle On (right): winner of last year's Champion ChaseCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

The trainer said: "She seems to be very well in herself. She's gone a bit crazy on us again at home and that's a really good sign. I love when she's like that. We've put cheekpieces on in the hope that they will help her travel through the early part of the race, so hopefully they will have the desired effect."

The good news for Envoi Allen fans who have kept the faith is that his trainer was thrilled with a piece of work he did last week.

De Bromhead said: "Envoi is great and travelled over perfectly. He worked really well the other day and I was thrilled with him."

Nicholls: 'There are younger legs in the race, it's going to be tough'

Paul Nicholls is under no illusions about the magnitude of the task facing 2020 winner Politologue, admitting it will be tough for the flamboyant grey to regain his title against younger legs.

Nicholls said: "He's 11 now and there are younger legs in the race than his, so it's going to be tough for him. He's going there really fresh and in good form with himself for his seventh festival, which is an achievement in itself. I'm sure he'll run his race and if he does that and comes back safe and sound then we'll be happy.

Sivola has 'got it all to do' says a hopeful Venetia Williams

Funambule Sivola got closer than expected to Shishkin in last year's Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree, going down by three and a quarter lengths, and he has since landed the Game Spirit at Newbury, but Venetia Williams is going into the Champion Chase more in hope than expectation.

Williams said of the seven-year-old: "He has got it all to do. He deserves to take his chance and we're just hoping for the best."

Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.10 Cheltenham: star novices Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor clash in thriller

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

4.50 Cheltenham: can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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