Top chaser still a Gold Cup factor despite Cotswold defeat

Cheltenham hosted high-class racing on Saturday, including the rearranged Clarence House Chase, the Cotswold Chase and a number of other key trials for the festival in March.

The Champion Chase is looking wide open following the success of Editeur Du Gite in the Clarence House. He achieved a career-best Racing Post Rating of 170 when beating two of the best two-mile chasers in Britain and Ireland. Edwardstone (170) was a bit below the level he achieved at Sandown in the Tingle Creek, while Energumene (167) was definitely below his best in third. A mistake at the final fence certainly didn't help his cause.

Ahoy Senor (170) achieved a career-best RPR when winning the Cotswold Chase, while runner-up Sounds Russian (165) ran very well in defeat and matched the form he showed when second in the Rowland Meyrick. He is likely still improving, but was helped by being in receipt of 3lb from the winner.