WILLIE MULLINS is set to unleash his Mene machine at Ascot next week.
The leading trainer confirmed that top-class chaser Energumene is on course for the Clarence House Chase on January 22.
That keeps alive the prospect of a mouth-watering clash with Shishkin, who is also being prepared for the £150,000 Grade 1.
Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten runner currently heads the ante-post betting for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
He is the 11-10 favourite with Ladbrokes but Energumene, who is undefeated in five starts over fences, isn’t far behind at 2-1.
He was an easy winner on his reappearance at Cork last month, and Mullins isn’t shying away from a big, pre-Festival head-to-head.
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Mullins said: “He’s in good shape, he was impressive at Cork and everything has gone well since then.
“I’m not sure if Shishkin is going to be there next week but the Clarence House is the right race for him so it’s very much the plan.”
Henderson revealed that big-race jock Nico de Boinville will put Shishkin through his paces in Lambourn this weekend before any decisions are made.
He said: "We're going to meet Energumene sooner or later, there's no doubt about that.
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"Before he ran at Kempton, I wasn't certain we had him fully there. I think there's definitely improvement to come.
"The plan is to work him at the weekend with Nico riding. I'm not going to promise that we will go to Ascot, because I can't.
"We will be doing what's best for the horse and if he tells me is right and ready, then we will go there and take on Energumene and First Flow and the rest.”
Energumene is the 8-11 favourite for the Clarence House with Paddy Power, with Shishkin next best at 7-4.
First Flow (5-1) – who won the race 12 months ago – and Hitman (8-1) are also among a stellar list of entries. The confirmation stage for the big race is next Monday.
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