What did we learn from the two big chases at Down Royal?

Gold Cup prime objective for Minella Indo

Fitness and sharpness won out in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

Frodon, who we know can perform to a high level when fresh, was finely tuned for the day by Paul Nicholls, while runner-up Galvin, fit from a Grade 3 win at Punchestown 17 days earlier, was able to pull clear of the returning Minella Indo.

It looked as though Bryony Frost controlled the race to her liking in front, but the reigning Gold Cup champion was a shade rusty and clearly has Cheltenham in March as his prime objective.

Envoi Allen got the job done as easily as he was entitled to 35 minutes later. It was pleasing to see him show his wellbeing, but we're probably no closer to knowing exactly how good he is.
Mark Boylan, reporter

King George should be next for Envoi Allen

Winning the Gold Cup can take a lot out of horses and the defeat of Minella Indo certainly opens up the market a little more for the race in 2022. This was still a fine run in a good Grade 1 from Minella Indo and one would imagine he will improve a good few pounds for the run. But he will certainly need to if he is to defend his title at Cheltenham in March.

I had Galvin down as a Grand National contender at the start of the season but I wouldn't be surprised if the Gold Cup becomes his big target. This was a mighty run behind the fantastic Frodon, who we know thrives in battle and also has a good record when fresh.

Envoi Allen: shortened in the Gold Cup betting after a bloodless victoryCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

We learned little more about Envoi Allen other than confirmation he has recovered from an injury. He had a confidence boost with a smooth win in the Grade 2 chase and he, on the other hand, has shortened in the Gold Cup betting. Given how unstoppable he once looked, his price of 10-1 might not be around for too long.

I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up against Frodon in the King George next. It looks an obvious next step in testing him up in trip and a strong traveller like him could thrive around Kempton.
James Stevens, reporter

Frodon win shows Paul Nicholls at his very best

The Ladbrokes Champion Chase underlined just what a phenomenal trainer Paul Nicholls is. He won with Clan Des Obeaux at Punchestown last season and it was a similar story with the magnificent Frodon at Down Royal.

The fact Frodon managed to beat Galvin, who has won over 3m6f and was racefit, despite missing out a handful of fences throughout the race, was testimony to his trainer's remarkable ability to get his horses in peak shape.

It also confirmed Frodon's iron will to win is undiminished after six years of racing at the top level. This was a 18th win in a glittering career. He continues to spoil racing fans old and new with his enthusiasm and determination.

Expect Minella Indo to do better as the season progresses, perhaps in the King George next, while Envoi Allen picked up Coko Beach and spat him out (he eventually finished 40 lengths behind in fourth) in the Grade 2 later in the card. We still don't know what he's capable of.
Maddy Playle, journalist

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