Arkle favourite Jonbon preps for Cheltenham in Kingmaker

Jonbon is out to cement his place at the head of the Arkle market in the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

With El Fabiolo, a neck behind Jonbon at Aintree last season, setting a new marker in the Irish Arkle last weekend, the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding needs to reassert his authority in the ante-post market.

With experience of Warwick’s tricky fences already banked, Jonbon will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Edwardstone, who won this 12 months ago before taking Arkle glory.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "Touch wood, he’s very exciting. He’s been very good to date over fences and he seems to be really liking it.

"I believe Nicky is very happy with him and let’s hope all goes well now on Saturday.

"This is a competitive little race and Warwick is a lovely track which tests your jumping.

"Most of these races are competitive, Saturday is no different and that is what it is all about."

Jonbon faces three rivals and one in particular might make him pull out all the stops.

Gary Moore’s Haddex Des Obeaux has won his last two in the style of a rapidly-improving young novice and is well worth his place in a Grade Two.

Sandy Thomson’s Bass Rock and Dan Skelton’s Calico are two other worthwhile opponents.