2025 Champion Chase

[Carnage at Taunton]

You've just got to hand it to Jonbon haven't you.

Early doors was given the 'Douvans brother' treatment.

Then the 'Oh he's not as good as Douvan treatment.

Then he's not at the level of 'Constitution Hill' which in fairness over hurdles he wasn't but he's still got bashed for being 2nd best to Constitution Hill.

And after all that he's been a lot more sound than the pair of them and earnt more than the pair of them too!

Fantastic horse to own.

Not sure about a fair few people ever handing it to Jonbon.
But the horse don’t know that and anyway his consistency in top race’s speaks for itself.
Maybe a big performance and win the Champion Chase will win his critics over.
This is his big chance this season.
For the first time at the festival he will have the Jockey that imo suits him really well.
Think he’s a few pounds better with Nico on.
With the knowledge they now have with his ability to stay further it means they can be more positive with how he’s ridden which suits Nico’ style.

[JamieSensible]

Is anyone getting stuck into Energumene for this? the age factor and lay off is difficult to ignore, but if he retains his ability he should be a mile ahead of most of these lot.

[Carnage at Taunton]

Is anyone getting stuck into Energumene for this? the age factor and lay off is difficult to ignore, but if he retains his ability he should be a mile ahead of most of these lot.

For me it’s all about his odds with his setbacks and how crucial one thinks the ground is to him.Plus he’s been mentioned as a possible Ryanair horse.
Personally I don’t think his current odds reflect all that.

[Exar Essay]

Is anyone getting stuck into Energumene for this? the age factor and lay off is difficult to ignore, but if he retains his ability he should be a mile ahead of most of these lot.

And today he gets weight from most, a lot from some.

[Lobos]

I think he may be caught out for pace today by the younger generation and a step up in trip will be discussed. Dinoblue for me.

[opatcho]

These are an average bunch, some giving weight to Energumene

age and time away, I should be interested in him but really struggling to find the winner from the field. Dinoblue would have been my selection but she’s giving him 10lbs

ferny and blue are also coming back from long lays

bandbridge having to lump 12 stone

AI - meh

May just leave this race

[Lobos]

If Dinoblue wins on those terms then she'll surely be heading to the CC.

She's won first time up every season so she'll be ready.

[Carnage at Taunton]

If Dinoblue wins on those terms then she'll surely be heading to the CC.

33 available for CC
I might have a little go on that
Not at all convinced she wants much more than 2m at Cheltenham

[JamieSensible]

For me it’s all about his odds with his setbacks and how crucial one thinks the ground is to him.Plus he’s been mentioned as a possible Ryanair horse.
Personally I don’t think his current odds reflect all that.

Trouble is, I read one of Willie's stable tours and he said he'd keep him at 2 miles and El Fabilio might go up in trip so don't really know what they're going to do with them.

Then youve got Gaelic Warrior to through into the mix somewhere so you dont really know.

[Birds Nest]

33 available for CC
I might have a little go on that
Not at all convinced she wants much more than 2m at Cheltenham

Might be nice to do 33s dino doubled up with something for the mares chase, limerick lace maybe.

[DenmanSacre]

Outside of Jonbon, I'd fancy plenty of these to beat the Tingle Creek field. Not gonna be straightforward for Energumene if he isn't near his best. FH is unbeaten over fences and we haven't seen his best yet. Dinoblue is decent enough. Banbridge a grade 1 winner. Should be a good race.

[Lobos]

Outside of Jonbon, I'd fancy plenty of these to beat the Tingle Creek field. Not gonna be straightforward for Energumene if he isn't near his best. FH is unbeaten over fences and we haven't seen his best yet. Dinoblue is decent enough. Banbridge a grade 1 winner. Should be a good race.

Really good race which should answer a few questions.

[Quevega]

Daddy's back.

[Benjy23]

Banbridge was going close there before the jock jumped off

Lovely to see Energumene back bit I don't think he'll be winning this still

[Carnage at Taunton]

Banbridge was going close there before the jock jumped off

Lovely to see Energumene back bit I don't think he'll be winning this still

How close was Banbridge going to
be you reckon?
Out so missed it