“I’ve discussed it with JP”: Henderson targets Ryanair for Jonbon as Old Park Star’s Haydock demolition impresses

A dramatic renewal of the Clarence House Chase was the big talking point of the weekend and, following his latest win in the race, trainer Nicky Henderson has revealed more about Jonbon's likely plans for the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Here's our look at some of the horses that caused ante-post market moves in the Cheltenham Festival betting this weekend.

Ryanair now the plan for Jonbon

Nicky Henderson has given Jonbon the go-ahead to contest the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March after his second Clarence House Chase success at Ascot on Saturday.

The JP McManus-owned 10-year-old returned to winning ways when landing the 11th Grade 1 of his glittering career.

He'd been no match for Il Etait Temps in the Celebration Chase or the Tingle Creek either side of the summer, but Jonbon appeared to have his measure when the Willie Mullins-trained contender fell late on.

That left James Bowen - standing in for the injured Harry Cobden - to overhaul Thistle Ask late on and claim a three-length Clarence House success.

A return to Ascot in February is next and, if not, it will be straight to the Ryanair, for which Jonbon is now no bigger than 8/1.

"I've discussed it with JP and the Ascot Chase is where we'll try to go," said the Seven Barrows trainer. "It's only a month away and that is quite quick after a hard race like yesterday, but if he says he's okay we're thinking Ascot.

"He's done Cheltenham, Aintree and Sandown in the past, so he does back up quite well. If he's not back for Ascot, then I would think he'd probably go straight for the Ryanair."

Jonbon has finished second at the Cheltenham Festival three times, in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the Arkle and the Champion Chase - all at two-miles - but now looks ready for the 2m5f Ryanair trip.

Espresso Milan puts his hand up

Ex-Fergal O'Brien inmate Espresso Milan is now 2-2 since going hurdling after joining Willie Mullins in the summer.

He had shown promise in bumpers and looks to be an improving model after landing his second jumps success in the W.T. O'Grady & E.J. O'Grady Memorial Irish EBF Novice Hurdle at Thurles on Sunday.

The likes of Monkfish and Gerri Colombe have won the same race in recent times and Mullins has now won the race three times in the last four renewals.

Espresso Milan travelled smoothly and, while leaving some room for improvement in the jumping department, he put the race to bed in smooth style for Paul Townend.

Stepping up in trip/class for the three-mile Albert Bartlett could be optimal and he's as short as 11/1 with some firms for that Cheltenham contest on March 13.

Star emerges as Supreme favourite

After a season in which the Supreme Novices' Hurdle market lacked a standout contender, Old Park Star confirmed himself to be the horse to take on that mantle with a scintillating success in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle at Haydock for Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

Many judges found it hard to split the Seven Barrows inmate and impressive Sandown Listed winner Hurricane Pat on paper before the Merseyside Grade 2, but it was a no-contest in reality.

Old Park Star made every yard of the running and came clear to score a ready 18-lengths in what amounted to easily the most impressive display from a novice hurdler in Britain or Ireland so far this season.

"We know where we're going," said a thrilled Henderson, winner of the Cheltenham curtain-raiser five times in his career.

"What I really liked about that was that you have to have pace to do what he's done. He's moved up a peg again because this race had depth to it and they didn't get anywhere near him."