Graeme Rodway: let's not pretend Cyrname is unbeatable

3.35 Ascot
Betfair Ascot Chase | Grade 1 | 2m5f | ITV/Sky

Make no mistake, if the Cyrname who has been imperious on his last three course-and-distance starts turns up in the same form again at his beloved Ascot, this will be another procession of jumping brilliance from the highest-rated chaser in Britain. He recorded Racing Post Ratings of 178, 181 and 179 on those occasions and the highest of the figures was achieved in this race last year when he slammed Waiting Patiently by 17 lengths.

This 2m5f trip at Ascot is Cyrname’s backyard, his home turf, but let’s not pretend he is unbeatable at the track. His first three runs at the course resulted in form figures of 567 and he was beaten a combined total of 44 lengths. Yes, two of those runs came over hurdles and all three were at short of this trip, but he was racing in handicaps off comparatively low BHA marks of 135 (twice) and 150, so this 177-rated chaser should still have performed better.