Andrew McNamara thinks Shishkin is beatable and not a Cheltenham banker

Mike Cattermole, Olly Murphy and Harriet Graham also provide their opinions

Shishkin (Nico de Boinville) comes home in isolation after another impressive displayCredit: Edward Whitake (racingpost.com/photos)

Is Shishkin the festival banker?

Mike Cattermole, broadcaster Probably. He looks such a professional and has so much talent. That said, Allmankind gave Eldorado Allen a bigger beating at Sandown than Shishkin did on Saturday. I can’t wait to see Shishkin tracking the pace being set by Allmankind. We’ll also find out a bit more about Energumene on Saturday.

Harriet Graham, trainer I think he is. I watched him on Saturday and he is extremely classy. At the moment I don’t think anyone can challenge him. He has it all; a lovely stride pattern, he can adjust himself and the only interesting thing is he hasn’t been put under any real pressure in his races over fences, but he’s a real class act.

Shishkin is miles clear in the Lightning Novices' ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Padraig Hassett, BoyleSports Shishkin looks hard to oppose as he’s been flawless over fences and looks bombproof.

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Published on 31 January 2021inFeatures

Last updated 19:36, 31 January 2021

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