IT has already been a memorable season in the fledgling career of jockey James Bowen, having registered his first Grade 1 win last month, and the 22-year-old is relishing the chance to partner Jonbon for the first time in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase (2.25).

Regular rider Nico de Boinville is not fit enough to ride after a collarbone injury, and Jonbon’s other usual jockey Aidan Coleman is still on the sidelines, so it is Bowen who Nicky Henderson has called on for the plum Grade 1 ride at Cheltenham today.

Much of the intrigue surrounding this My Pension Expert-backed prize has been stripped due to the fact El Fabiolo is being diverted to the Dublin Racing Festival, having originally been due to run in the Clarence House when it was fixed for Ascot last weekend.

However, the presence of last year’s winner Editeur Du Gite, who caused an upset against Energumene and Edwardstone 12 months ago, means another surprise is not completely out of the question.

“I’m really lucky to get on him and I can’t wait to ride him,” said Bowen, who partnered Jango Baie to win the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle over the festive period at Aintree.

“Fingers crossed he can get the job done. I was thinking I might get on him last weekend, but Nico got back and then it was called off. 

“He is the best horse in the race and odds-on shots are the ones you want to be riding. You just need the right horse to ride in these Grade 1 races and hopefully I can get the job done, but it is also up to him as well. I think it gives you great confidence when the owner and trainer are willing to put you on a horse like Jonbon. If they are happy enough for you to ride, that is what gives you the most confidence going out there.

“Jonbon seems pretty versatile regarding tracks. He was good in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, but he was so impressive his first day back in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham. I think Cheltenham is a good track for him. ”

The J.P. McManus-owned eight-year-old enters his weekend assignment as the top-priced 11/4 second favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, behind El Fabiolo at 10/11.