Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:21 | Winning time: 4m 4.54s

Amarillo Sky^t⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 151| CD

28/1

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.

Form: F156-11

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Editeur Du Gite³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 160| CD

14/1

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.

Form: 114P-31

Edwardstone³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 170| BF| CD

5/2

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.

Form: 1112-1U

Energumene⁴⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 176| CD

4/9

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.

Form: 1/1211-1

Funambule Sivola³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 159| D

66/1

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.

Form: 112P-64

Sizing Pottsie^t³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 145| D

250/1

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.

Form: 10-1295

Forecasts

Energumene (4/9), Edwardstone (5/2), Editeur Du Gite (14/1), Amarillo Sky (28/1), Funambule Sivola (66/1), Sizing Pottsie (250/1)

A rerouted Clarence House and while it will struggle to live up to the breathtaking 2022 renewal, a clash between Champion Chase winner ENERGUMENE and Arkle-hero Edwardstone should still be something to savour. The former's only chase defeat came in this race at Ascot and he can make amends here.