Who can lay a glove on Jonbon in the Champion Chase?

'His forcing nature could put it up to Jonbon'

It very much feels like it will be Jonbon's date with destiny at the Cheltenham Festival, but I'd love to see Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm take him on with Il Est Francais.

I still have the doubt in my mind that Jonbon's three career defeats have been at Cheltenham and I reckon the French star could be tailor-made to give him a big test. 

The Champion Chase is under consideration for French ace Il Est FrancaisCredit: Edward Whitaker

His jumping was a joy in his admirable second in the King George VI Chase, where his petrol tank simply emptied in the closing stages. At an undulating track like Cheltenham, dropping him back in trip could work the oracle.

His forcing nature could put it up to Jonbon from the front and double-figure prices about him make a lot of appeal.
Matt Rennie, reporter

'It'll be a different kettle of fish at Cheltenham'

I still think he’s beatable. The Clarence House result hasn’t changed my mind that, while he might look impressive making the running round a flat track, it'll be a different kettle of fish when he’s taken on for the lead at Cheltenham. 

Jonbon (Nico de Boinville) leads Energumene on the first circuit of the Clarence House Chase at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jonbon has been beaten on two of his four chase starts at Cheltenham, once when going off as short as 1-4, and I’d question whether he has the scope over his fences to win a Champion Chase going at high speed.

As for the opposition, I still think Energumene remains a threat for March, even after this result, while King George runner-up Il Est Francais would be a fascinating contender. But it’s the King George winner who I think is overpriced. A fast-run race could set it up for Banbridge and his two-mile form is as good as any.
James Hill, tipster

'Gaelic Warrior is the one Jonbon needs to worry about now'

The one thing the Clarence House screamed at us is that the Champion Chase is now a straight shootout between Jonbon and Gaelic Warrior. Well, unless the Il Est Francais camp go for the jugular. 

Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior needs to bounce back from defeat at Leopardstown over ChristmasCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Even if they do, it's a massive ask. Realistically, Gaelic Warrior is the only real opponent now for Jonbon and the funny thing is that neither is probably at his best around Cheltenham. 

That said, on his day Gaelic Warrior is a bit of a freak and he has the ability to give Jonbon a right rattle, especially if there's plenty of cut in the ground. He's the only one the Jonbon camp need to to worry about now. 
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor 

Latest Champion Chase betting

William Hill (NRNB): 5-4 Jonbon, 11-4 Gaelic Warrior, 6 Energumene, El Fabiolo, Il Est Francais, 7 Banbridge, 14 Marine Nationale, Djelo, 20 bar

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Energumene camp retain faith that Jonbon can be toppled at Cheltenham after Clarence House 'that didn't suit us' 

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