Barry Geraghty: 'I'd ride Shishkin, but Chacun Pour Soi is his main danger'

Barry Geraghty, now, of course, a hugely successful trader after Constitution Hill's scintillating display in the Supreme, is also the joint most successful jockey in the history of the Champion Chase with five wins on his jam-packed CV.

He won it twice on Moscow Flyer (2003, 2005) and also did the business on Big Zeb (2010), Finian's Rainbow (2012) and Sprinter Sacre (2013). He knows what it takes to win it, that's for sure, and believes Shishkin has all the necessary tools to chisel out yet another victory.

Geraghty said: "I was lucky enough to win five Champion Chases on some exceptional two-milers, Moscow Flyer and Sprinter Sacre being particularly special, and this year's race looks a corker. I can't wait for it.

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase racecard and betting

"If you offered me the ride on anything in the race, I would definitely pick Shishkin. He's never let them down and just keeps on winning. He knows how to get the job done and that's going to be a big asset here."

Asked how he thinks the race will be run, Geraghty replied: "I know you have got Politologue in there and he likes to get on with things, but is he going to be able to travel in his comfort zone at the pace Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi are going to want to go? I'm not so sure he can.

"In saying that, I couldn't imagine Patrick [Mullins] and Paul [Townend] taking each other on up front. There would be no point in that, so it's going to be fascinating to see the way the first half of the race is going to unfold."

Chacun Pour Soi: has been a brilliant performer in IrelandCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Chacun Pour Soi's two visits across the Irish Sea have produced his two worst displays, but Geraghty thinks it would be foolish to write him off entirely. Indeed, he thinks he will be the one to follow Shishkin home.

The fourth most successful jump jockey of all time, with 1,920 winners to his name, said: "I'm convinced we haven't seen the best of Chacun Pour Soi on the big stage yet. He was a beaten odds-on favourite in the race last year and, while he wasn't beaten far, that surely wasn't his true running. He's better than that and proved it on his next start at Punchestown when even Allaho couldn't live with him.

"Chacun Pour Soi is probably the overpriced one in the race because, on some of his Leopardstown form, he would have to have a big chance, but I'm not sure he will beat Shishkin."

Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.10 Cheltenham: star novices Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor clash in thriller

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

3.30 Cheltenham: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life' says Nicky Henderson

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

4.50 Cheltenham: can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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