'Royale Pagaille a pest for Bristol' - Leighton Aspell with his big-race verdict

Saturday's running of the Betfair Chase saw a brilliant reappearance from A Plus Tard and the result rewarded a bold decision by connections to target the race rather than stay at home for an easier option.

Bristol De Mai was attempting to emulate the mighty Kauto Star by winning the race for a fourth time but conditions were not ideal for the admirable grey. His ability to gallop and jump out of heavy Haydock ground is a powerful weapon that has served him so well, but he was unable to utilise it on a sounder surface.

The alterations to the jumps course at Haydock have made it primarily a speed track and, with its narrow width and two long straights, it suits nippier types who can quicken off the home turn and get away from those behind – something more evident on good to soft ground like Saturday.