The first of our Cheltenham 2016 runners, As De Mee, ran as well as he was entitled to, hampered slightly four out then outpaced from two out when a 17 length fifth in the JLT Novices Chase. It's likely he won't be seen again on a racecourse until the Autumn now as the trainer seems intent on retaining his novice status for next season. However you look at it, he's been a disappointment for us but I get the impression that the trainer feels he needs time and will benefit from this season's experience in good races next season. Possibly a novice chase win at the October meeting then a tilt at the old Paddy Power could be on the cards but I expect Nichols to get the best out of him in time.
Flintham, a winner at Warwick in January, ran next in the Pertemps Final but, having made the running, faded into a predictable 18th place. Predictable because he clearly needs soft or heavy ground to be seen at his best and the races on the New Course invariably suit hold up performers but it is to be hoped that he returns in the Autumn for a crack at the job he is bred for and proves a decent novice chaser.
Champagne West, a horse who has been well fancied for some of the big Cheltenham midwinter handicap chases, was pulled up in the Ryanair Chase and it really is a case of back to the drawing board for Phillip Hobbs as the season has gone downhill rapidly since his excellent second on his seasonal debut in the December Gold Cup. There's no doubt he has ability but some serious remedial work will be required if that is to translate to success on the track in the future and he has it all to prove now.
Saphir Du Rheu joined the band of under achievers when never really looking like striking a blow in the World Hurdle and finished a below par sixth to the very impressive Thistlecrack. His season began as favorite for the Hennessy and it could be argued that he has never really been in top form along with many in the stable and it is to be hoped that a summer at grass will rekindle the fire in a horse who undoubtedly has a touch of brilliance on his day and could yet prove top class as a staying chaser as he is still only seven
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