Can Jonbon overcome course fears to keep the Champion Chase dream alive in Shloer? The Shloer race has seen a surprising turnout of seven runners, a stark contrast to the past two seasons where Jonbon faced only three rivals. This increase in competition raises questions about the reasons behind it. Jonbon, a class horse in the Shloer, boasts an impressive record with 18 victories from 23 starts, including ten wins at the highest level. However, his vulnerability around Cheltenham, as evidenced by the 2025 Champion Chase, cannot be overlooked. A shuddering error at the ninth in that race meant it was game over for Jonbon, whose course record is paltry compared to his performance at other tracks. The good news is that the Shloer race is less demanding in terms of pace and jumping pressure compared to the Champion Chase. Nonetheless, a larger field increases the risk of something going wrong. The presence of tearaway front-runners like Haddex Des Obeaux and Matata adds to the challenge. Given Jonbon's age and recent surgery, a single course defeat could potentially end his Champion Chase aspirations. Tom Scudamore, a former jockey turned ITV pundit, shares his insights. He highlights the importance of the ground condition, suggesting that a wet track on Friday might be more favorable for Jonbon's recovery from a wind operation. Scudamore also emphasizes the need for controlled aggression from Jonbon's jockey, Nico de Boinville, especially in the early stages of the race. Despite Jonbon's exceptional record, Scudamore believes his air of invincibility was shattered in the Champion Chase, marking a changing of the guard. However, he remains confident in Jonbon's chances of winning the Shloer, citing his exceptional performances and the difficulty in finding a horse that can beat him. The trainers of the other runners, including Nicky Henderson and Alan King, provide their perspectives on the race, adding to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding Jonbon's performance in the Shloer.
