Energumene continues to be on observe for a rematch at Cheltenham Competition with victorious Shishkin at Ascot regardless of struggling a stone bruise in current days.
The duo have raced the season up to now at Clarence Home Chase, the place Shishkin-trained Nicky Henderson beat Energomen Willie Mullins for a very long time after a prolonged battle at Ascot in a row.
The pair are set to cross swords once more on the Queen of Bitway Chase match on Wednesday week, however Energomen drifted in exchanges on Thursday, elevating considerations about his security.
Nevertheless, Sean Graham, racing director for proprietor Tony Bloom, confirmed that though the eight-year-old took a slight hit earlier within the week, a visit to the Cotswolds and his long-awaited rematch with Shishkin continues to be happening.
Inform Day by day podcast Nick Lack: “About 5 or 6 days in the past the horse had a stone bruise and was a bit lame, however with these items simply give it a number of days.
Energumene and Paul Townend after profitable in Punchestown final season
“The shoe had been taken off his entrance ft, we gave him two simple days, put the shoe again on and grappled Tuesday morning and it was intact on Wednesday. He did one other field yesterday morning and it was intact then we’ll.”
“It was only a minor inconvenience he obtained, it is simply a kind of issues that occur to horses and it’s a must to count on that.
“So far as I am involved now, after I spoke to Willie yesterday, the horse is wholesome and will likely be concentrating on champion Chase on Wednesday.”
Shishkin defeated Energumene in an epic battle at Clarence Home Chase
Energumene can be at Ryanair Chase a two-and-a-half-mile stretch on Thursdays from the pageant, however the aim is to focus on the two-mile run.
Graham added: “The Queen Mom is the plan, it is at all times been the plan. He will go away at Ryanair, however the one cause that might be if one thing untoward occurred would cease him from working in Champion Chase.”
Mullins has additionally entered Chuck Boer Sui within the champ and indicated on a secure go to final week that the candidate crushed final yr could also be one of the best amongst his rivals.
This leaves secure jockey Paul Taunin with a troublesome alternative, though Graham does not count on that call to be made till sooner.
“There was no determination on who’s using the horse and that will likely be one thing possibly subsequent weekend, three days earlier than the races, when Paul should make his determination,” he stated.
