Reporter:
A rather disappointing turnout (not alone in that of late), though there was plenty of quality on show among the four that stood their ground. In the event, either Nube Negra improved significantly from an already high level – which is possible – or the three he beat under-performed to varying degrees, the latter seeming more likely. It was well-run, with a finishing speed of 98.4%.
NUBE NEGRA (c168 here, 165 previously) has returned at least as good as last season, when he beat Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton and was possibly unlucky not to beat Put The Kettle On in the Champion Chase on this course, though circumstances were close to ideal for him and the likelihood is that his rivals were not at their very best. He was held up in last going well, led between the last 2 and was ridden clear, the relative test of speed and slick jumping right up his alley.
POLITOLOGUE (c160 here, 168? previously) has had a chequered career of late, having bled when running poorly at Aintree in April and had another breathing operation since, but showed he retains all his enthusiasm if possibly not all his ability, leading and a few lengths to the good mid-race, making a mistake 4 out but not headed until approaching the last, one paced thereafter.
PUT THE KETTLE ON (c147 here, 159 previously) ran an odd race, tracking the pace but losing her position markedly mid-race and making no impression until keeping on late in the day. Softer ground and/or a slightly longer trip may be in order but this was uncharacteristic even so.
ROUGE VIF (c136 here, 163? previously) was an interesting trainer change from Harry Whittington to Paul Nicholls, and expected by many to return to form judged on his market prominence, but he found nothing after racing freely and still looking a contender 2 out. His classy handicap win at this course and distance is now 13 months ago and he has plenty to prove.
