A classy renewal and a winner of sufficient quality to recall some of the great winners of the race’s early years. It was a thorough test, the overall time backing up the form and the finishing speed comfortably below 100% on ground that was at least “soft”.
ROYALE PAGAILLE (c166 here and previously) was back to his best to repeat his win from 12 months earlier, off 7 lb higher in the handicap this time, held up, niggled along some way out but staying on to lead at the second-last and responding generously despite tending to drift right. Horses with his ability have placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (and even won the odd one), but not often when the strength in depth among staying chasers is as it is at present.
SAM BROWN (c150 here, 148 previously), from a stable going quite well, returned to his very best (previously represented by his win in the novice chase on this card in 2020), travelling comfortably in the lead/close up and coming back for more after being headed 2 out. His appearances have been sporadic over the years.
FORTESCUE (c143 here, 140 previously), from 3 lb out of the handicap, ran well again, putting in good work late on and worth a try at a marathon trip.
REMASTERED (c140 here, 150+ previously) was somewhat better than the result, looking a big threat early in the home straight (went 11/10 against in running) only to find little. The balance of his form will continue to give him a realistic chance at this sort of level, for all that initial impressions of his Ladbroke Trophy run may flatter him slightly.
KALOOKI (c126 here, 145 previously)
LORD DU MESNIL (c133 here, 152 previously)
LAKE VIEW LAD (c0 here, 146 previously)
SAM’S ADVENTURE (c0 here, c? previously)
ALNADAM (c0 here, 135 previously)
EMPIRE STEEL (c0 here, 142 previously)
