King Under No Illusions As Edwardstone Faces Old Foe Jonbon

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


The duo have frequently faced off over 2 miles through their professions, and now do battle 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 young boy seems in good kind. I would have preferred somewhat much better ground, however it is the way it is and we'll see how he gets on.


"It was terrific to see him win at Kempton last time and his enthusiasm and work at home is nearly as excellent as it has actually constantly been, it was beautiful to see him get his head in front once again. It offered myself and the whole team a substantial quantity of pleasure.


"There is a great deal of prize-money up for grabs and we'll see if we can get a piece. We're under no impressions about taking on the two huge guns so we'll see how we get on."


Jonbon has won 2 Melling Chases over an intermediate journey and requiring every yard of the minimum range 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 impeccable record.


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


Edwardstone are Jonbon 12 and 10 respectively and they are joined in the line-up by another senior statesman, with Paul Nicholls' 11-year-old Pic D'orhy bidding to win the race for a record third time having taken home first reward for the last 2 seasons.


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