Shishkin 'in good form' as Nicky Henderson considers clash with Energumene

Shishkin v Energumene is the clash all racing fans are desperate to see this month and Nicky Henderson gave hope it could happen as he said on Wednesday that Shishkin had come out of last week's comeback win at Kempton in good form and could run in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

With Willie Mullins confirming that Energumene remains on course for the Grade 1 on January 22, the eagerly awaited head-to-head is seemingly dependent on whether Henderson opts for Ascot or an alternative stepping stone to Cheltenham at Newbury three weeks later.

And Paddy Power have priced up the possibility of the two locking horns, offering even-money that Shishkin and Energumene both turn up in the Clarence House. Should they do so, it's 8-13 that Shishkin gets the better of Energumene, with the Irish raider 6-5.