tracked leader, jumped well, driven to challenge approaching 2 out, kept on under pressure
made all, jumped well, driven 2 out, ran on well
settled well off the pace in 3rd, tailed off from 7th, never a factor
Barring accidents, Solomon Grey has little chance up against the two highest-rated chasers around at present. Unbeaten in 19 outings including the Clarence House over 2m1f here in January, Altior has yet to race over this far. He’s undergone wind surgery since winning the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April and so has CYRNAME, who ended last season with a couple of outstanding victories over course and distance including the Grade 1 Ascot Chase when demolishing the field from the front. Altior will need to prove every bit as good over today’s trip to keep tabs on Paul Nicholls’ new star and the latter gets the vote.
Altior (IRE) 1-6fav (11-7) Made all, went clear 4th, jumped left 8th 4 out and next, reminder after 3 out, in command next, stayed on well from last, unchallenged, won at Sandown 2m (1) gd in Apr beating Sceau Royal (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Cyrname (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Jumped boldly, made all at strong pace and clear most of way until given breather after 3 out, clear again from next, stayed on strongly, impressive, won at Ascot 2m 5f (1) gs in Feb beating Waiting Patiently (11-7) by 17l, 6 ran.
Solomon Grey (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Led and soon clear, reduced lead 10th, awkward 13th, jumped slowly 4 out, headed and weakened after 3 out, finished tired, 4th of 5, dist behind Reserve Tank (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 4f (1) gs in Nov.
