Today on Sky Sports Racing: Jonbon and Energumene clash in Clarence House showdown

What a day we have ahead! Champion Chase favourite Jonbon goes head-to-head with Willie Mullins’ Energumene in what promises to be a pulsating BetMGM Clarence House Chase clash – live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.32 Ascot – Top chasers Jonbon and Energumene clash

The Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon brings with him a fantastic CV, having won eight Grade 1 races from his 19 career starts. He is 2-2 this season having won the Shloer Chase on his return before readily landing the Tingle Creek at Sandown and looks the one to beat in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase under his usual partner, Nico de Boinville.

Willie Mullins’ veteran Energumene claimed a third Hilly Way Chase success on his seasonal reappearance and arrives here seeking his seventh top-level victory. Willie Mullins’ eleven-year-old should strip fitter but will need to be as good as ever if he is to defeat the favourite.

Edwardstone is still seeking that elusive win over his nemesis Jonbon after five unsuccessful attempts, but Alan King perseveres here. Boothill completes the quartet for Harry Fry.

2.50 Ascot – Bo Zenith and Altobelli contest competitive H’cap

Nicky Henderson saddles Bo Zenith who ran an eye-catching third at Cheltenham on his return from a lay-off and this extra distance could eke out some more improvement in this BetMGM Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle.

Harry Fry’s Altobelli will be popular after he stayed on powerfully to claim third behind Mirabad at Doncaster and providing he doesn’t bounce; he rates an each-way player with first-time cheekpieces added.

Kamsinas and Doddiethegreat are worth a mention in an open heat.

1.40 Ascot – Kargese makes seasonal reappearance

All eyes will be on Willie Mullins’ classy mare Kargese as she makes her seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle.

Winner of the Grade 1 Four Year Old Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, hope are high and she should take this before heading up in class. Her trainer mentioned the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham as a long-term plan.

Take No Chances heads the dangers for Dan Skelton and Kielan Woods. A winner in Listed company at Wetherby back in November, she finished a solid third in handicap company at Cheltenham last month and a repetition of that would see her in the money.

Ben Clarke’s Ooh Betty is worth her chance in this grade after landing a decent handicap hurdle at Kempton last time.

Best of the rest

Triumph Hurdle contender Lulamba starred on his only previous appearance at Auteuil and goes to post for the first time on British soil for Nicky Henderson in the BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle. Viyanni could be a danger for the Derham and Burke combination, whilst Mondo Man makes his first start over hurdles for Josh and Gary Moore.

Grand National fifth Kitty’s Light features alongside Annsam and Unanswered Prayers in the BetMGM Handicap Chase at 1.05pm before Hitman and Martator face off in the bet365 Handicap Chase.

Over at Lingfield, a Class Two BetMGM: It’s Showtime Novice Stakes at 11.45am sees Humam and Cluster One feature, with Sean Levey taking the ride on last time out winner Well Enough.

There’s also a BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies’ Handicap at 1.25pm, where Charlotte’s Web goes for a four-timer. Santorini Star will likely be best placed to deny her in the Tony Bloom colours, after two straight victories.