'The plan is to run' - Mullins targets Energumene at Clarence House Chase

The eagerly anticipated clash between Shishkin and Energumene could yet happen before the Champion Chase in March after both horses appeared among the 11 entries for the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot next month.

Nicky Henderson has stated the race could come too soon for Shishkin following his dazzling display in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Monday, but Willie Mullins has given the green light for Energumene to run at Ascot.

The unbeaten chaser will be bidding to give Mullins a fourth victory in the race following Un De Sceaux's hat-trick between 2016 to 2018 and Mullins reports him to be in tip-top shape following his impressive return in the Hilly Way at Cork this month.

Mullins said: "We sidestepped Christmas and have decided to go to Ascot with Energumene instead. The plan is to run.

Willie Mullins reveals hamstring problem for Champion Chase hope Chacun Pour Soi

"He came out of Cork very well and all is good with him. The way things worked out on Monday, [stablemate Chacun Pour Soi was a late absentee from the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase] maybe we should have left him in at Leopardstown but we had to make a decision whether to get him ready for it or not.

"We decided we wouldn't get him ready and we thought the ground was quick enough as well. The Clarence House is better spaced out time-wise anyway."

Energumene is 9-4 second favourite for the Champion Chase with Paddy Power, with Shishkin now 11-10 with the same firm. It is 11-1 bar the pair.

Paul Nicholls has entered Rouge Vif and Hitman for the Clarence House, while last season's winner First Flow is also among the entries.

Big-race entries: SBK Clarence House Chase

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