Expert Analysis

An easy third successive win in this race for Chacun Pour Soi, who was very nearly back to his top-notch best in the process, an apparently good overall time and near-par 102% finishing speed suggesting this form can be trusted despite the small field.

CHACUN POUR SOI (c174 here, 176 previously) left his travails at Sandown (where he was reported to be sore post-race) behind with another top-class performance, third in the pecking order behind Shishkin and Energumene for the Champion Chase, but only just despite that pair being exceptional. He led a couple of times early-race was back in front approaching the closing stages, faced challenges after 2 out but was shaken up and forged on, pushed out quite vigorously on the run-in for a most authoritative success. The fact that he has been below form in his two runs in Britain may just be a coincidence.   

DUNVEGAN (c 159 here and previously) is in the form of his life, at least matching his very smart handicap form in this, going with zest leading/close up (mistake fourth), matching strides briefly with the winner between the last 2 and sticking to his task. He is not good enough for a Champion Chase in a vintage era but has form at around 20f.

CAPTAIN GUINNESS (c153 here, 155 previously) probably ran creditably, held up going a bit freely, improving into third before 2 out but one paced for pressure after it. He is not quite championship standard and has a lofty handicap mark thanks to his third in an ultimately weak Tingle Creek.

CASH BACK (c139 here, 149? previously) got round for fourth despite a hairy jump at the first, taking a strong hold before outpaced 4 out and not given an unnecessarily hard time.  

GREANETEEN (c0 here, 163 previously) ran badly, kept to the inner and free but close up until quickly beaten after 2 out, shaping as if not right.