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Alan King Ready For Cheltenham Battle

Swindon trainer Alan King is putting his stable star, Edwardstone, through his final paces before heading to the Cheltenham Festival in March. Edwardstone is set to take on the Irish banker, and defending champion, Energumene, in the Champion Chase at the prestigious National Hunt racing meeting.

Edwardstone was one of the stars of last season for the in-form King, putting in a special performance to easily win the Arkle Chase at the festival. He has returned to action in equally the same form this campaign, downing his rivals in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, before ultimately unseating his rider in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

Edwardstone's Connections

Edwardstone is a horse that has provided Robert Abrey and Ian Thurtle with all of the thrills and spills of being an owner. Thankfully, being able to own a racehorse, or shares in a racehorse has become achievable for all racing fans and those wishing to learn more about the industry.

Companies like Raceshare now make it easier than ever to group together with other racing enthusiasts to experience the excitement of seeing their racing colours being carried to victory on the track.

King has a successful history at the festival, winning pretty much every big race bar the Gold Cup. He has already tasted victory in the Champion Chase with the brilliant Voy Por Ustedes, and the same horse features alongside Edwardstone and My Way de Solzen in winning the Arkle.

Edwardstone win was a welcome one for the master trainer, as his previous Cheltenham winner had come way back in 2015 when Uxizandre won the Ryanair Chase. King has experienced a rejuvenation at his Wiltshire base in the last few years, however, and will head into the festival in March in great form. 

Can Edwardstone

Win The Champion Chase There seems to be one obstacle in the way of Edwardstone winning this year's Queen Mother Champion Chase, and that comes in the form of last year's impressive winner, Energumene.

The Irish racing fans love a betting banker, and the Willie Mullins-trained 9-year-old seems to be this year's 'sure thing'.

The Irish should be warned that Edwardstone is not going to be a pushover. King's speedy chaser seems to be still improving over fences, with his breathtaking Tingle Creek wins at Sandown in December being the proof.

He had two of his possible Champion Chase rivals behind him on that occasion, but it must be said that he is yet to face a horse with the talent of the Tony Bloom owned, Energumene, in his career thus far. If both horses bring their A-game to Cheltenham in March, it should prove to be one of the best battles of the meeting. 

King's Other Cheltenham

Hope Edwardstone won't be Alan King's only hope at Cheltenham, as Sceau Royal will also be making the trip to Prestbury Park. There is even a chance that King's two horses may meet in the Champion Chase, although Sceau Royal also holds an entry in the Ryanair Chase.

Whatever the results at the big meeting, Edwardstone is sure to do his connections proud. Can he beat the well-fancied Irish raider? That remains to be seen.

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