Ruby Walsh: Cobden tackles early Jonbon job but can Henderson work his magic?

Form suggests that Clarence House chase is there for Il Etait Temps to lose rather than win, bu the Thistle Ask and Jonbon camps will be looking to spoil his party.

JONBON: Jonbon and Nico de Boinville head to the start ahead of win for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus. Picture: Healy Racing

So much for January being a long and slow month. We have passed halfway and Christmas only feels like yesterday and today the good horses are back on the track at Ascot. 

It has been six weeks since Il Etait Temps trounced his rivals in the Tingle Creek, and Willie Mullins has sent him back to the UK rather than waiting for the DRF. It is the path he trod with Energumine en route to champion chase glory in years gone by, and as is usual we have a small field for the Clarence House chase, which often throws up cracking battles, but that is only a might this year.