Clarence House Chase tips and runners guide to Cheltenham 1.20

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

A week later and at a different course than planned, Energume and Edwardstone are (finally) set to face off in the Clarence House Chase.

Ascot was forced to abandon last weekend’s meeting due to frozen ground so the Grade 1 has switched to Cheltenham as last season’s Champion Chase and Arkle winners tackle the New Course at Prestbury Park.

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Amarillo Sky was the only other declared runner at Ascot but three more horses are set to take their chance in Saturday’s 13:20 as Desert Orchid scorer Editeur Du Gite, Champion Chase runner-up Funambule Sivola and Sizing Pottsie join the fun.

Clarence House Chase odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.

Clarence House Chase runners

Amarillo Sky

Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 7 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Progressive handicap chaser, ending 2022 with a brace of wins in November, latterly in clear-cut fashion at Newbury. This represents a marked jump in class and it’s hard to make a compelling case for him.

Editeur Du Gite

Trainer: Gary Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Improved into a very smart front-running chaser last season, a dual winner at around 2m at this venue prior to a solid fourth in the Grand Annual at the Festival. Cranked it up another notch when a surprise winner of the Desert Orchid last month, though was probably the only one to run to form.

***

Edwardstone

Trainer: Alan King Jockey: Tom Cannon Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs

A thoroughly likeable sort who took his winning sequence to 5 when landing the Arkle at the Festival. Beaten by Gentleman de Mee at Aintree but displayed top-class form when a commanding winner of the Tingle Creek on reappearance. Very rare jumping lapse when unseating rider in the Desert Orchid.

****

Energumene

Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Paul Townend Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Top-class chaser who has met with defeat only one in his career over fences, that coming in a brilliant renewal of this race at its usual venue last year. Comfortable winner of the Champion Chase at the Festival and his reappearance win in the Hilly Way Chase confirms he’s as good as ever.

*****

Funambule Sivola

Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Progressed well in open company last season, taking the Game Spirit at Newbury, and put up a career best when second to Energumene in the Champion Chase. Things haven’t gone to plan since and this a tough race to bounce back in.

Sizing Pottsie

Trainer: David Pipe Jockey: Tom Scudamore Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs

Smart chaser for Jessica Harrington who, having changed hands (for 95,000 gns) made most of good opportunity to land Ayr novice hurdle in October. Hasn’t kicked on since, however, and was beaten a long way out back over fences last month. No appeal.