The fallen champ fallacy: why Altior has little to prove at Newbury

If you want a demonstration of how much the little things can matter in racing, look at the different way in which Altior is now portrayed compared to before his clash with Cyrname.

A record-breaking champion, 19 races unbeaten, one of the greats of the game. One defeat to Cyrname and now he is viewed like Ali was ahead of the Rumble In The Jungle. Not just a vulnerable champion, but the underdog.

The narrative has overtaken reality. It is easy to forget that meeting Cyrname over 2m5f at Ascot is like getting in the way of George Foreman's thunderous right hand. Cyrname would have undoubtedly been fitter, too, and that the only score on which he subsequently failed in the King George was stamina.