King Under No Illusions As Edwardstone Faces Old Foe Jonbon

Alan King is excited to continue Edwardstone's journey when he locks horns with old foe Jonbon once again on Saturday as both featured among the 6 statements for the Betfair Ascot Chase.


The duo have frequently dealt with off over two miles through their careers, but now do fight over a brand-new distance, with Edwardstone getting here off the back of a heartwarming success in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton last month.


King said: "The old kid seems in good kind. I would have preferred somewhat better ground, however it is the way it is and we'll see how he gets on.


"It was excellent to see him win at Kempton last time and his interest and work at home is nearly as great as it has actually constantly been, it was lovely to see him get his head in front once again. It offered myself and the entire group a huge amount of satisfaction.


"There is a lot of prize-money up for grabs and we'll see if we can choose up a piece. We're under no illusions about taking on the 2 big guns so we'll see how we get on."


Jonbon has actually won two Melling Chases over an intermediate journey and having required every yard of the minimum distance when notching back-to-back Clarence House Chase victories at this track last time out, is reunited with Nico de Boinville at a venue where he has an impressive record.


Edwardstone rolled back the years at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)


Edwardstone are Jonbon 12 and 10 respectively and they are participated the line-up by another older statesman, with Paul Nicholls' 11 D'orhy bidding to win the race for a record 3rd time having actually taken home first prize for the last two seasons.


Dan Skelton runs Heltenham, with stablemates Etalon and Riskintheground losing out, with Jennie Candlish's Classic Maestro and Blow Your Wad on debut for Gary and Josh Moore completing the line-up.