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Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images
“title =” Altior (right) worked hard to finish second in Sunday’s Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton “class =” js-imageLoader “data-at-xn =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images / news /2020/12/27/86599-medium.jpeg “data-br-n =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86599-medium.jpeg ” data- br-m = “https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86599-large.jpeg” data-br-w = “https: //www.rp- assets. com / images / news / 2020/12/27/86599-large.jpeg “data-br-xw =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86599-large .jpeg “onclick =” return false; “>
UPDATED 6:39 PM, DECEMBER 27, 2020
Frodon’s victory at King George was a Christmas fairy tale, but Altior failed to produce a Christmas miracle and return to his best at Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Sunday.
While delivering a performance that was big at heart, Altior lacked his previous arrogance and class. The Black Cloud winner looked much better than an official mark of 152, but Altior was well below his mark of 172.
It quickly became obvious that he wasn’t traveling with the force of yesteryear, with Nico de Boinville pushing the future 11-year-old for much of the run.
Sunday results and replays
To his credit Altior stayed in second place, but while it all seemed like an effort for the runner-up, Black Cloud didn’t.
Chase de Campeones’ 12-1 quotes look good for a six-year-old who was having his first outing since February and should improve again for better terrain.
Nicky Henderson was quick to tear down the talk of Altior’s retirement, but it looks like we’d be witnessing a Sprinter Sacre-style revival if he came home to the front line in Cheltenham in March.
Chacun Pour Soi ‘should take the whole beating’
If Black Cloud goes for the Hunt for Champions, he’s likely to face the daunting prospect of taking on Chacun Pour Soi.
While the Willie Mullins-trained star has no Cheltenham experience, he put aside the clever Notebook and last season’s Arkle winner Put The Kettle On in Leopardstown.
Defending champion Politologue will be another test for Chacun Pour Soi to beat at Cheltenham, but he should take the whole beating in March whenever he drives the track.
Alan Crowhurst
“title =” Shishkin: looks first class “class =” js-imageLoader “data-at-xn =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86590-medium . jpeg “data-br-n =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86590-medium.jpeg “data-br-m =” https: // www. rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86590-large.jpeg “data-br-w =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27 /86590-large.jpeg “data-br-xw =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2020/12/27/86590-large.jpeg “onclick =” return false; “>
‘It’s hard to see him savoring defeat’
That same afternoon we could have seen the winner of the 2021 Chase of Champions, it is no exaggeration to think that the 2022 winner was also in action.
Much can change between now and then, but in Shishkin the heir apparent to the heir apparent might already be in his place.
Odds for the Arkle After a second hurdle win at Kempton, Shishkin was electric on the Wayward Lad and if he continues on his current trajectory it’s hard to see him beaten this season.
The same comment applies to Chacun Pour Soi and while whatever the pair achieves this season should be properly appreciated, there is nothing wrong with dreaming of a hugely successful showdown.
‘It looks the best Ireland has to offer’
Such is the ammo at Mullins’ disposal, the loss of last season’s Champion Bumper winner seems like an inconvenience rather than a massive hit.
Ferny Hollow may be out of the game, but Appreciate It, which was second to its stablemate at last season’s festival, has assumed the favoritism of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after easily firing rivals for the glory of Grade 1 at Leopardstown. Show off the best Ireland has to offer for the opening of the festival.
How the results affected the markets
Black cloud 10-1 (out of 50) for Champion Hunt with bet365
Each for himself 11-10 (of 7-4) for Champion Chase with Betway
Shishkin 4-5 (of 5-4) for the Arkle with Betfair Sportsbook
I appreciate 11-4 (of 12) for Supremo with Paddy Power
Reports and reaction on Sunday:
‘It’s getting beyond ridiculous’ – Willie Mullins hits over the skipped fences
Nicky Henderson says ‘don’t rule out Altior just yet’ after Kempton loss
Members Club: ‘One Player Back and forth at 20-1’: Expert Opinions on a Wide Open Champion Chase Market
Man with a plan: Dan Skelton takes another big step forward with Black Cloud
Nico de Boinville praises Shishkin ‘insanely fast’ after Wayward Lad’s win
Appreciate It, Supreme’s new favorite after running to Mullins and Townend
Kim Bailey delighted with the ‘extraordinary’ First Flow does it five in a row
Mullins-trained Castlebawn West posts ‘great performance’ on Paddy Power Chase
Oliver Stammers delighted with ‘fantastic’ 2020 as the best season continues
Did you know that you can bet with your online bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post app? Simply log into your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on a race card to place bets
FIRST POST 4:30 PM, DECEMBER 27, 2020
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