Alan King‘s veteran Edwardstone is out for more glory, with both Aintree and Sandown options being assessed for the 12-year-old.
Though no longer in his prime which saw him win the Arkle in 2022, Edwardstone remains a reliable performer. He has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance up in trip this campaign. Firstly, he was second in Huntingdon’s Peterborough Chase before winning the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase just over a week after turning 12.
He could not live with Jonbon, an old nemesis of his, in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase last time out. However, that will not put King and connections off aiming him at some last hurrah targets this spring.
“He’ll tell me if and when he’s ready” – King
Cheltenham came just too soon for Edwardstone this season. That does not mean King was dodging any targets though. He still has the utmost faith that his veteran can mix it in high-class company.
Both Aintree and Sandown remain on the table. As for the exact targets, King has not yet settled on anything specific.
“Edwardstone is very well, he just wasn’t quite ready to go to Cheltenham,” the trainer said to the Press Association via Racing TV. “He’s due to come back in to work this weekend and I’d imagine you will see him at either Aintree or Sandown.
“I would have thought if we go to Aintree it would be the Melling Chase or we might even put him in the Red Rum two-mile handicap as we did have him in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, so we’ll see closer to the time.
“If we go to Sandown I would have thought it would be the Celebration Chase.”
Though he has won a race just a rung below the top this season, Edwardstone’s handicap mark has declined. It would be reasonable to expect he could be competitive off a rating of 151.
Either way, the decision will be as much the horse’s as King’s. The wellbeing of his stable stalwart is evidently paramount.
“He’ll tell me if and when he’s ready and I won’t tell him.”