Edwardstone Leads Strong Field in Sussex Champion Chase

Trainer Alan King's esteemed Edwardstone is on the hunt for another victory in the Sussex Champion Chase, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The seasoned Edwardstone is at the forefront of a five-horse field competing in the Betgoodwin Sussex Champion Handicap Chase, spanning two miles and one furlong. With an illustrious career that includes wins in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase, the Arkle, and the 2022 Tingle Creek, Edwardstone was last seen finishing a commendable fourth in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February. However, he will need to overcome the top weight to achieve his twelfth career win in his inaugural run at Plumpton. A significant challenge may come from Paul Nicholls' Matterhorn, who secured his fifth career win over fences two starts ago at Uttoxeter. Matterhorn was pulled up at Ascot's Christmas meeting in his last outing but had previously finished second in this race. The in-form Secret Des Dieux, seeking a hat-trick for James Owen and Jonathan Burke, faces a 9lb weight increase following his recent surge in form. The field is completed by course and distance winner Kotmask, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, and Neil Mulholland's Scorsese. Meanwhile, the world's top sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, aims to extend his winning streak to 19 in the Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. Ka Ying Rising, trained by David Hayes, looks to add to his impressive record of 18 consecutive wins. The five-year-old will drop back to his usual six furlongs after scoring over seven furlongs 43 days ago. With over £13 million in prize money, Ka Ying Rising will be looking to claim this Group 2 title for the second time before targeting the Chairman's Sprint Prize later this month. Hugh Bowman, who won this contest in 2024, will ride Helios Express, who has finished second to Ka Ying Rising in their last two meetings. Other contenders include Raging Blizzard and David Hayes' Tomodachi Kokoroe. A field of eleven horses will compete in the Betgoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase over 3m4½f at Plumpton. Last year's winner, Invincible Nao, will attempt to defend his title for Gary and Josh Moore, despite being off a 4lb higher mark. The training duo's other runner, Havaila, is a notable contender after comfortably winning at Newbury 16 days ago. Neil Mulholland's Transmission will look to defy top weight and achieve a third success over fences, while previous course winner Tommie Beau will wear first-time cheekpieces for Seamus Mullins. Planned Paradise will bid to complete a hat-trick for Christian Williams and Jack Tudor, and Chris Gordon's Unanswered Prayers and the Paul Nicholls-trained Largy Poet are also ones to watch.