'He is right in the mix' - three experts on Nube Negra's Champion Chase claims

'He could have much more to offer'

He was a shade unfortunate not to win the Champion Chase last season and, while next year's running looks like it could be much hotter, he looks a 170+ horse in the making and that puts him right in the mix. He's only seven and could have much more to offer. I've already backed him ante-post for the race at 25-1.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

'Big-time horse' Nube Negra dominates Shloer Chase for defiant Harry Skelton

'He is in the conversation'

It would have taken Nube Negra winning by two clear fences to seriously trouble the top of the market for the Champion Chase, but there was much to admire in the way Harry Skelton saved plenty of energy through the first mile before easing his way into contention, while the way he flew the second-last showed there was plenty left in reserve. The way Put The Kettle On struggled to lie up suggests they were pretty close to Champion Chase pace throughout.

While it would be a surprise if Shishkin or Energumene didn’t confirm themselves worthy challengers for the two-mile crown, neither has tackled anything outside of novice company yet. Nube Negra has certainly inserted himself in the conversation.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

'His opponents could be special'

Nube Negra has beaten Politologue. He’s beaten Put The Kettle On. He also holds a victory over an all-time great, Altior, to his credit.

However, most people in racing seem to believe Shishkin could well develop into a champion of similar quality to Altior and Sprinter Sacre, while those closest to Energumene are adamant he is something special too.

You could see Nube Negra running a career best in March yet still finishing in another parish to those two. That’s where we stand, but there’s still an awful long way to go before then.
Richard Birch, tipster

Read these next:

More joy for the Skeltons as West Cork defies 631-day layoff to land Greatwood

Sharjah halved to 10-1 for Champion Hurdle after landing second Morgiana Hurdle

Catch our new in-depth review of the weekend's racing every Monday in the Racing Post. With big-race analysis from Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell, Chris Cook's take on the weekend action, eyecatchers from the Raceform team, weekly awards and more, it is not to be missed.