Sunday reaction: 'It was obvious he was not travelling like the force of old'

Frodon's King George win was a Christmas fairytale, but Altior was unable to produce a Christmas miracle and return to his very best in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Sunday.

While delivering a performance that was big on heart, Altior lacked his previous swagger and class. Winner Nube Negra appeared much better than an official mark of 152, but Altior was well short of his mark of 172.

It was quickly obvious he was not travelling like the force of old, with Nico de Boinville nudging the soon-to-be 11-year-old along for much of the race.

Sunday's results and replays

To his credit, Altior kept on for second, but while everything seemed to be an effort for the runner-up, Nube Negra was effortless.

Quotes of 12-1 for the Champion Chase look good for a six-year-old who was having his first start since February and should improve again for better ground.

Nicky Henderson was quick to shoot down Altior retirement talk, but it feels like we would be witnessing a Sprinter Sacre-esque revival if he came home in front at Cheltenham in March.

Chacun Pour Soi 'should take all the beating'

If Nube Negra goes for the Champion Chase, he is likely to face the daunting prospect of taking on Chacun Pour Soi.

While the Willie Mullins-trained star is unproven at Cheltenham, he brushed aside the smart Notebook and last season's Arkle winner Put The Kettle On at Leopardstown.

Defending champion Politologue will be another test for Chacun Pour Soi to overcome at Cheltenham, but he should take all the beating in March as long as he handles the track.

Shishkin: looks top classCredit: Alan Crowhurst

'It is difficult to see him tasting defeat'

On the same afternoon we could have seen the 2021 Champion Chase winner, it is not too much of a stretch to think the 2022 victor was also in action.

A lot can change between now and then but in Shishkin the heir apparent to the heir apparent could already be in place.

Odds-on for the Arkle after a second victory over fences at Kempton, Shishkin was electric in the Wayward Lad and if he continues on his current trajectory it is difficult to see him being defeated this season.

The same comment applies to Chacun Pour Soi and, while whatever the pair achieve this season should be properly appreciated, there is no harm in dreaming about a blockbuster showdown.

'He looks the best Ireland has to offer'

Such is the ammunition at Mullins' disposal, the loss of last season's Champion Bumper winner for the season appears an inconvenience rather than a massive blow.

Ferny Hollow may be sidelined but Appreciate It, who was second to his stablemate at last season's festival, has assumed Supreme Novices' Hurdle favouritism after readily dismissing his rivals for Grade 1 glory at Leopardstown. He looks the best Ireland has to offer for the festival opener.

How the results affected the markets

Nube Negra 10-1 (from 50) for the Champion Chase with bet365
Chacun Pour Soi 11-10 (from 7-4) for the Champion Chase with Betway
Shishkin 4-5 (from 5-4) for the Arkle with Betfair Sportsbook
Appreciate It 11-4 (from 12) for the Supreme with Paddy Power

Sunday's reports and reaction:

'It is getting beyond ridiculous' – Willie Mullins hits out over omitted fences

Nicky Henderson says 'don't write off Altior just yet' after Kempton defeat

Members' Club: 'An each-way player at 20-1' – expert views on a wide-open Champion Chase market

Man with a plan: Dan Skelton takes another big step forward with Nube Negra

Nico de Boinville praises 'incredibly quick' Shishkin after Wayward Lad victory

Appreciate It the new Supreme favourite after bolting up for Mullins and Townend

Kim Bailey delighted as 'extraordinary' First Flow makes it five in a row

Mullins-trained Castlebawn West posts 'huge performance' in Paddy Power Chase

Oliver Stammers delighted with 'fantastic' 2020 as best season continues

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