Three-way battle expected in Queen Mother Champion Chase

Cheltenham, Wednesday, 15 March: The next classics are on the programme today on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival. In the Queen Mother Champion Chase (4th race/16.30/400,000 pounds/3200m) defending champion Energumene (Paul Townend) will be tested by Edwardstone (Tom Cannon) and Editeur Du Gite (Niall Houlihan).

In their most recent meeting in the Clarence House Chase (Group 1) here in January, the latter two put up a close fight for the win, which the Frenchman eventually took. With no better chance, Energumene finished third. Twelve months ago, the Mullins protégé beat Funambule Sivola (Charlie Deutsch), whose current triumph in the Game Spirit Chase (Group 2) over Greaneteen (Harry Cobden) should not be overlooked. Editeur Du Gite also won the Desert Orchid Chase (Group 2) with `Weile` over Nube Negra (Harry Skelton). The Spaniard was other goods before that in the Shloer Chase (Group 2) against only two competitors. Captain Guiness (Rachael Blackmore), who is coming off two good performances this season, completes the small but fine field.