A memorable King George VI Chase, but not a vintage one despite the presence of some very classy horses in their prime, the race changing complexion rapidly late on despite the earlier pace having been fairly tepid (overall time and early sectionals good deal slower than recorded by Il Est Francais in winning the Kauto Star Novice earlier on the card). The form is best considered to be high-class – with some reservations – rather than top-class, and well behind what Galopn des Champs achieved in Ireland a couple of days later. Hewick’s final 4f of 56.17s (0.17s slower than Il Est Francais managed) equates to a finishing speed of 105.6%.
HEWICK (c168? here and previously) seemed to return to his best, though there are some doubts on that score given the underwhelming splits and overall time recorded, and he was a fortunate winner on the day, likely to have been third had Shishkin not departed and badly hampered Bravemansgame. He went in snatches, dropping to last before halfway and with plenty to do before 3 out, responding well to still stronger driving thereafter and running on strongly to lead on the short run-in. He has a strong record on good ground or similar and has done relatively little racing at beyond 3m recently despite showing that he stays marathon trips at quite an early stage of his career.
BRAVEMANSGAME (c167? here, 168 previously) was unlucky not to win as things unfolded, though in turn would have been fortunate to have profited from Shishkin’s misfortune 2 out which in turn led to his being badly hampered, all in all running about his best race of the campaign though still a bit below what he achieved when second to Galopin Des Champs in the previous season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. He tracked the pace travelling comfortably, went second 6 out but was coming off worse with Shishkin when left in front and badly hampered by that one’s unseating at the second-last, rallying to have every chance at the last but outpaced by the winner close home.
ALLAHO (c167? here, 165+ previously) would almost certainly have won this under these conditions at his best but may not be quite the force he was, nonetheless going close in this prestigious contest. He tracked the pace and travelled comfortably, was tapped for pace before 3 out (at which he was untidy) then left in front at the next, one paced and overhauled on the short run-in.
THE REAL WHACKER (c159 here and previously) ended up running creditably but made hard work of it from some way out, held up for once and adjusting a bit to his left at times, outpaced in the final mile but sticking to his task to claim fourth.
FRODON (c131 here, 152 previously) was a fine sight up front for a long way, without having to work all that hard for the honour, but was left behind when headed before 6 out and retired subsequently.
SHISHKIN (c173? here and previously) has been an enigma for a while now, but the talent is still there, and he would surely have won this but for stumbling and unseating a stride or 2 after 2 out, when leading by a couple of lengths and showing no signs of stopping. He got away on terms this time but was rousted along early, travelling more kindly thereafter if tending to adjust to his left at the fences, leading before 6 out and going as short as 3/1 on before departing.
