Who impressed you most on a busy Monday? Big-race opinions from our team

'Shishkin was in another stratosphere'

How could it be anyone other than Shishkin? He cemented his status as the best chaser in Britain with a flawless return to action, easily disposing of a top-notch performer in Greaneteen.

The seven-year-old travelled smoothly and jumped well, but perhaps most impressive was the way he responded to the questions posed to him by Nico de Boinville rounding the home turn. The race was effectively over as Shishkin jumped into the lead at the third-last, clearly in another stratosphere to his three rivals.

Given this was his first start in over eight months, you would think there is even more to come – a scary thought for his Champion Chase rivals.

Energumene would undoubtedly provide a much sterner test than he had on Monday, but Shishkin entered last season’s Cheltenham Festival as the one real banker for Britain and he looks set to do so again this time.
Sam Hendry, reporter

'For a first public effort over fences it was assured stuff'

When Ferny Hollow skipped around Leopardstown on Sunday bookmakers were quick to take evasive action with quotes of 6-4 about the Arkle.

Haut En Couleurs: put forward as a dark horse for the DRF by Patrick MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

As impressive as he was in that Grade 1 assignment, 24 hours later we cannot be absolutely sure he is even the best two-mile novice chaser in the yard, given Haut En Couleurs' thoroughly likeable performance in the beginners' chase over the same course and distance.

Yes, it turned into a bit of a Willie Mullins schooling session with Mt Leinster setting a decent gallop and the three stablemates never troubled by any of their rivals.

But for a first public effort over fences it was assured stuff, while Haut En Couleurs looked more tractable than last season when his juvenile hurdling campaign was marred by a tendency to pull.

Joe and Marie Donnelly already have Al Boum Photo and Shishkin flying their yellow and black chequered flag and he looks another set to take high rank.
Scott Burton, reporter

'He would be a better option at 11-2 for the Arkle'

I was quite taken with Edwardstone, winning a Graded novice chase by a wide margin for the second time this month.

The Wayward Lad was more evenly run than the Desert Orchid but he's still achieved something in finishing just half a second behind Shishkin's time while carrying 4lb more. I wouldn't be backing him, or anything else, against Shishkin but I think he's achieved more than Ferny Hollow this week and would be a better option than the favourite at 11-2 for the Arkle, if you had to have a bet.

The Leopardstown winner Haut En Couleurs apparently could be heading that way as well and he's one to take seriously.
Chris Cook, Reporter of the year

Read more:

Envoi Allen gets the job done but fails to impress despite Chacun's absence

Super-slick Shishkin returns in style with 'phenomenal' Kempton victory

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