Henderson concedes Jonbon faces uphill task at Ascot
POINT TO PROVE: Jonbon has found Il Etait Temps too quick in their two clashes. Picture: Steven Paston/PAÂ
Nicky Henderson is under no illusions about the task facing Jonbon as he bids turn the tables on Il Etait Temps in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The JP McManus-owned Jonbon claimed his ninth Grade One victory in this race 12 months ago and moved up to double figures by successfully defending his crown in the Melling Chase at Aintree over two and a half miles in the spring.
However, he was no match for Etait Temps in the Celebration Chase at Sandown at the end of the season and the Willie Mullins-trained grey reasserted his dominance in the Tingle Creek in December.
Ahead of a third clash at the weekend, Henderson said: "He (Il Etait Temps) has beaten us the last two times, so I can't make any rash statements on that score — he's beaten us twice.
"He's not as young as he was and the other horse is, that's all that's happening. Over two miles it makes a big difference, of course it does."
Jonbon and Il Etait Temps are part of a select entry of five for the £175,000 feature event on day two of Berkshire Winter Million Festival, which starts at Windsor on Friday.
The big two might not have it all their own way, with the remarkable Thistle Ask leading the opposition. The nine-year-old was rated just 115 after leaving James Ewart to join Dan Skelton last year, but he is now four from four for his current connections and big-race wins in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Desert Orchid Chase have earned him this step up to the highest level.
Gidleigh Park is an interesting contender for Harry Fry, dropping back to two miles for the first time since winning the Lightning Novices' Chase at Windsor on this weekend a year ago. The eight-year-old was last seen finishing second in Ascot's 1965 Chase behind Jango Baie, who did that form no harm with an excellent effort in the King George on St Stephen's Day.
The potential field is completed by the Joe Tizzard-trained JPR One.
Meanwhile, Henderson has given his clearest indication yet that Constitution Hill's next competitive appearance will be in a Flat race.
After winning his first 10 starts under rules, a run which included brilliant victories in the Champion Hurdle, two Christmas Hurdles, the Aintree Hurdle and Fighting Fifth, the eight-year-old has lost his air of invincibility having fallen in three of his last four races.
His racing future was thrown into doubt after coming to grief at the second obstacle on his first start of the current campaign in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in late November and Henderson swiftly mooted a potential switch to the level.
The Seven Barrows handler has been keen to let the dust settle before firming up any potential plans, but has confirmed Constitution Hill — who is to be visited by renowned jumping guru Yogi Breisner — will be entered in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and more immediately an outing on the Flat appears to be at the top of his agenda.
Henderson said: "We'll enter him (for the Champion Hurdle), but there is a plan afoot for a Flat race, so we'll keep you posted if that materialises."
When asked if he had found a suitable race, the trainer added: "No because there isn't one, but there's going to be one."
