Expert Analysis

The early pace was a frantic one with four horses taking the first fence alongside each other. Ultimately, this chase was won by the horse that put in the best round of jumping, particularly in the closing stages. Kargese was electric over most of her fences and took full advantage of late mistakes by both of her main rivals. She may well turn out to be the only runner that is kept to two miles next season.

KARGESE I am sure she will have been trading as the third favourite on the run down to the second last fence, at which point Lulamba lost all chance when getting in too close to that obstacle. She would then have been trading as the second favourite until Kopek Des Bordes did something similar to Lulamba at the final fence. Danny Mullins took full advantage by kicking for home immediately after the last before winning with some authority in the finish. She may not possess the size and scope of her two main rivals; however, the style of her fast and fluent jumping should continue to stand her in good stead assuming she returns for the Champion Chase in 2027.

KOPEK DES BORDES After giving the first fence plenty of air he was less than fluent over the second. From thereon in he settled down to jump in a more economical fashion until breasting the final fence and throwing away his winning chance in the process. This was still an excellent effort from a horse having only his second try over the larger obstacles. Time will tell whether he will be Champion Chase or Ryanair Chase material for next season.

LULAMBA Despite the likelihood of him being better over a longer trip he still managed to be bang there on the approach to two out. His mistake at that obstacle ultimately ended his winning claims. I doubt very much we will be seeing Lulamba compete over two miles again. Jango Baie won the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase at Ascot for the Seven Barrows yard last season and that Grade Two chase could be an interesting starting point for Lulamba next winter before presumably being aimed at the King George.

JAX JUNIOR His rider elected not to try and stay close to the early pace and consequently he was never placed to challenge. He did, however, plod on to inherit a slightly flattering fourth place finish.

STEEL ALLEY I felt he was always racing a stride faster than ideal and, in retrospect only, he may have finished at least a place in front of where he did if he had been held onto a little more. Along with Lulamba, we are very likely to see him being campaigned over a longer trip next season.