Expert Analysis

There may have been only 4 runners – the smallest field this century – but this will live in the memory for a sublime performance from the mighty Galopin Des Champs, who won so well, and in a quick enough time, that it seems fair to reinstate his best rating on him, the 3 he thrashed a bit removed from top-class but no slouches by any means. The time was the fastest since 2008, that in part down to ground that was no slower (and possibly a bit faster) than “good”, but also to a sound pace, with the winner posting a close-to-par 57.36s (106.0%) for the final 4f.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (c179 here and previously) was beaten by a good horse in Inothewayurthinkin in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but this adds substance to the idea that he was not quite himself that day, as he handed out a thrashing to a trio of very smart rivals. He led and jumped soundly, setting a pretty good pace (jinked crossing a path early) and forging further clear before the second-last, in full command soon after and kept up to his work most of the way. Time may start catching up with him next season, as it does with most horses as they hit double figures in terms of years, but he has such a good attitude to go with his superior ability that he should be a tough nut to crack for a while yet.

SPILLANE’S TOWER (c162 here, 168 previously) has had a stop-start campaign since his excellent second to Fact To File in the John Durkan Memorial here in November, and probably performed just respectably. Held up in last, he had closed a bit when blundering 4 out and was untidy at the next, left trailing thereafter but staying on well enough to be second. He is young still and could do better next season at 20f to 26f granted a clearer run at things.

MONTY’S STAR (c160 here, 164 previously) was not discredited but has not quite shaped up as well as expected, in 2^nd/3^rd before briefly dropping to last before 4 out, rallying a bit until one paced late on.

BANBRIDGE (c142 here, 168 previously) ran poorly again for no obvious reason, chasing the pace and left further behind after 4 out.