Edwardstone spot on for his clash with the big boys in the Queen Mother Champion Chase

March 12

It is 17 years since Alan won the Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase with Voy Por Ustedes, but our Game Spirit hero Edwardstone could not be in better shape for his clash with El Fabiolo and Jonbon in the week’s two mile feature.

Alan said:”Edwardstone is at the top of his game, and everything has gone smoothly since Newbury, where he was very good. However, I am well aware that two very smart horses in El Fabiolo and Jonbon stand in our way, and all the rain they had down there yesterday does not do our chances.”

Tom Cannon was down at Barbury last Thursday and expressed himself “very happy” with Edwardstone, and, though like Alan he is well aware that the opposition are several grades higher than those he beat at Newbury, he knows his horse inside out and is optimistic of a bold run.

One would think that this will be Edwardstone’s last attempt at the Queen Mother Chase, though 11-year-olds can win this prestigious steeplechase, as Moscow Flyer  showed in 2005.

Whatever Edwardstone’s fate, doubtless Alan will make sure he is back home in time to watch Nap Hand in the London Mile Qualifier at Kempton’a evening meeting.

Nap Hand was off all last season with a fracture, so this will be his first appearance since he was twice second over this same course abd distance in November 2022.

Alan added:”It will be great to have Nap Hand back after all he’s been through. After such a long absence he ought to improve a bit on whatever he produces at Kempton. I just hope all his problems are behind him, but stepping up to a mile and a quarter later on will also suit him.”