SBK Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 4m 16.17s

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Selected odds by:

Amoola Gold⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 151| CD

80/1

Smart chaser who resumed with C&D win but only sixth in 2m Cheltenham handicap last month. He faces a very tall order here.

Form: 228-126

Energumene⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: P Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 171| D

5/4

Unbeaten in five starts over fences, and he was a most impressive reappearance winner of Grade 2 at Cork last month, jumping fluently. Hugely exciting Irish challenger who rates a big player.

Form: 1/1111-1

First Flow⁴⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 162| CD

16/1

High-class chaser who got right back on track with emphatic victory in Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. Landed this event 12 months ago too but he needs to raise his game plenty if he's to follow up.

Form: 11166-1

Shishkin²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 172

5/6

Top-class novice last term (easily won Arkle Chase at Cheltenham) and he returned after a wind op with facile success in Grade 2 at Kempton. Fine jumper who can retain his unbeaten record over fences.

Form: 11111-1

Forecasts

Shishkin (5/6), Energumene (5/4), First Flow (16/1), Amoola Gold (80/1)

Nicky Henderson's SHISHKIN faces his stiffest test yet over fences but is fancied to follow in the hoofprints of the stable's fomer winners of this Grade 1 Altior and Sprinter Sacre and confirm himself the premier 2m chaser. Irish-challenger Energumene also arrives unbeaten in this sphere and should ensure this is a race to savour, with last year's victor First Flow no forlorn hope either.