Edwardstone “never been better” as he takes on old rival Jonbon for a fourth time at Cheltenham

November 12

We have to go back to 2009 when Well Chief won the inaugural running of the Shloer Chase to find the only 10-year-old to triumph in the Grade 2, which is the highlight of the first major meeting of the new jumps season at Cheltenham on Friday.

However, our own Edwardstone, who won the 2022 Grade 1 Arkle Chase over this course and is the same age as Well Chief, could not be in better form as he prepares to take on his old rival Jonbon for a fourth time.

Jonbon holds a 3-0 advantage, and there were nine and a half lengths between the pair when they finished one-two in this race 12 months ago, and remember

But Alan and assistant trainer Rob Smith, who rides out Edwardstone regularly at home, point out that three weeks later our fellow reduced the deficit to less than three lengths.

Rob is adamant that Edwardstone has never been in better form and gave him a totally different feel in his last couple of pieces of work  than he had done before last year’s renewal, so, while we all have tremendous respect for the classy Jonbon, all at Barbury are looking forward to Friday, and there is an air of optimism in the yard.

Alan said:”Edwardstone has been a real star for us, and, though he is approaching his 11th birthday, he seems to be working as well as ever. He produced a terrific front-running display to win the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February and generally ran right up to his best all last season, but, like Trueshan, he has not been over-raced, so win or lose against Jonbon we still feel that there are a few more good races in Edwardstone.”