Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m previewing Saturday’s Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Berkshire Winter Million
The snow and ice are finally behind us—at least for now—and it’s just in time for a cracking weekend of racing.
It all kicks off on Friday with the new Berkshire Winter Million meeting, which starts at Windsor, moves to Ascot on Saturday, and returns to Windsor on Sunday. Previously held at Lingfield as the Winter Million, the switch to more reliable tracks in January feels like a smart move. Let’s hope this three-day spectacle thrives in its new home.
Friday
Windsor hosts the opening day of the Berkshire Winter Million, headlined by the Grade 2 Fitzdares Lightning Novices' Chase (1.50). Meanwhile, the rescheduled Veterans' Chase Final (2.35) takes place at Market Rasen. ITV will showcase eight live races across the afternoon.
Saturday
Ascot delivers the highlight of the weekend with the Grade 1 BetMGM Clarence House Chase (3.25). Energumene and Jonbon could serve up a thrilling pre-Cheltenham clash. The supporting card includes a Grade 2 mares' hurdle (1.40) and a £100,000 handicap chase (2.15).
ITV will also feature three races from Haydock, with the Sky Bet Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.30) and the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (1.55) leading the way.
Sunday
The action wraps up at Windsor, where the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase (3.05) tops the bill. ITV will broadcast four races from Windsor and two from Fakenham, rounding off an excellent weekend.
With £1.2 million in prize money across three days, there’s plenty to look forward to. Enjoy the racing!
Clarence House Chase – Ascot
There’s nothing quite like a top-class two-mile chase, and Saturday’s Clarence House Chase could deliver the race of the season so far if Energumene and Jonbon line up. Will it live up to the hype?
Energumene, the former Champion Chaser, returned with a solid win at Cork but now faces this test as an 11-year-old. Two years ago, I’d have backed him without hesitation, but at this stage of his career, it’s fair to wonder if he still has the same speed. He’s undoubtedly talented, but Father Time may have taken a toll.
Jonbon, on the other hand, is underrated by many punters despite an incredible record of 16 wins from 19 starts. While Nicky Henderson has placed him shrewdly, eight of those victories have come in Grade 1 company. He might hold a sharpness edge over Energumene, whose season is likely geared towards peaking for the Champion Chase in March.
The odds reflect this: Jonbon is around 4/6, while Energumene is available at 5/2 with bet365. If Energumene were fully tuned up, you’d expect them to be priced closer—perhaps 10/11 compared to 11/10 for Jonbon. Mind you it’s good to soft at Ascot and a dry week is forecast. Will he come over if its good ground?
Beyond the big two, Boothill, a previous C&D winner, struggles with his jumping and will need good-to-soft ground at worst. Meanwhile, the progressive Libberty Hunter likely needs softer conditions than the forecast going.
With just six left in at Monday’s final confirmations, the field isn’t deep, but we could still see fireworks.
I’ve already started analysing Friday’s ITV races at Windsor and Market Rasen. If you’re after my final picks for the Berkshire Winter Million Weekend, you can find them here.
Wednesday’s Racing
Newbury hosts a decent card on Wednesday, with the standout race being the Charlie Nugent Memorial Mares' Chase (3:35). Five runners are set to compete in the 2m 7½f contest, which offers £19,933 to the winner.
Race Preview
Fantastic Lady is the class act, and the form pick but must concede weight to her rivals, and softer ground may not suit her.
Lady Balko completed a handicap chase hat trick at Hereford 25 days ago and looks progressive. Three from four over fences and receiving 6lb from Fantastic Lady gives her a good chance.
Don't Rightly Know impressed with her jumping when making all to win a 3m handicap chase at Exeter last month. While she has a stone to find on ratings with Fantastic Lady, that was her chase debut, so further improvement is possible.
I may have a selection or two on the Newbury card.
In Thursday’s column, I’ll update my NH racecourse ratings and preview the day’s highlight—the Somerset National Handicap Chase at Wincanton.
Good luck with your Wednesday bets.
John