Expert Analysis

A race with a good recent record, won by subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Al Boum Photo in 2018 and Galopin Des Champs in 2022, and it is form to view fairly positively despite the sad demise of the favourite and the consequences of his fall on others. The pace was strong most of the way (steadied only briefly mid-race) and it took plenty of getting, the finishing speed from 3 out and 2 out down around the 93% mark. The principals may need a while to recover from this.

FLAME BEARER (c159 here, 147+ previously) has plenty of ability, which may not have been fully tapped even in this narrow victory, as he did well to hang on at all given the searching fractions he had set. His jumping was much better than at times in the past, bar a slight tendency to adjust to his left and a minor mistake 5 out, and he kept pulling out more when joined 3 out and again later on, awkward at the last but staying on. These tactics seem to suit him and might count against him if attempting even further.

SIR GERHARD (c158 here, 147 previously) matched his hurdling form back at a more suitable trip, kept out of the heat of battle in mid-field for a long way, jumping accurately, before improving steadily to challenge and look the likeliest winner between the last 2, unable to get past the resolute winner, edging left after the last and one paced. He should win more races, but the top ones will require further improvement from him.

APPRECIATE IT (c153+ here, 155 previously) did well to finish a close third, and arguably to finish at all, given that he was caught up in the melee of Mighty Potter’s fall, his rider briefly losing a stirrup. He recovered to be in with a chance before 3 out but jumped left there, as he had done on occasions earlier, looking like dropping away before keeping on again. He may have a few quirks now, but he still possesses plenty of ability, though he may need a while to recover from this gruelling experience.

JAMES DU BERLAIS (c135+ here, 150 previously) ran better than the result, attempting to harry the winner (achieved that only on and off) and still well there until weakening quickly 2 out. It is encouraging that he has run 4 times after a lengthy absence now, and he should have a future in handicaps (stays 3m ridden with more restraint).

AUTHORIZED ART (c119 here, 149 previously) was always behind and well below form.

ADAMANTLY CHOSEN  (c118 here, 148 previously) ran a lack-lustre race, always behind.

MIGHTY POTTER (c? here, 159 previously) sadly suffered a fatal fall at the tenth, just closing in on the leaders at the time.

BRIDES HILL (c0 here, 140 previously) looked to be struggling already when almost brought down at the tenth, pulled up soon after.