CHELTENHAM 15:30

Non Runners: NUBE NEGRA (SPA). Fences: 13.

Time: 4m 6.7s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 58.1s (100.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99.6%

One of the most anticipated clashes of the week, a rematch between Shishkin and Energumene following their epic battle in the Clarence House, Chacun Pour Soi another arriving at the top of his game, the race on paper a much stronger contest than either of the last 2 runnings, hence the long odds at which the winners of those, Politlogue and Put The Kettle On, were sent off; the race failed totally to deliver, however, only one of the 3 market leaders completing, he landing the spoils under a change of tactics.

ENERGUMENE (FR) under a change of tactics, landed the first of what may well be many Grade 1s outside novice company, pulling clear on the run-in, though with his main rivals out of contention he didn't have to run quite to his best to do so; held up, not fluent second, headway ninth, led on bridle 2 out, in command soon after, kept up to work; he's sure to win more good races, though hopefully Shishkin and Chacun Pour Soi will give him something to think about should they meet again.

FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (FR) up in grade, proved better than ever, sticking to his task willingly having travelled as if well at home at this level, the Melling at Aintree an option, should connections want to return to further; held up, travelled well, upsides 4 out, shaken up home turn, kept on run-in, no match for winner.

ENVOI ALLEN (FR) had been sent off at 2/1, 4/7 and 4/6 on 3 previous Festival visits, with wins in the Champion Bumper and Baring Bingham to his name, but things haven't gone to plan since his early departure last season and, though he'd won a Grade 1 last time, he'd had another breathing operation since and didn't fully see the race out, that he's being campaigned at 2m after spending most of his career over further a negative in itself; disputed lead early, remained prominent, led before 3 out, headed when blundered next, no extra run-in.

POLITOLOGUE (FR) winner of this race in 2020, as well as a Melling Chase and the Tingle Creek twice, was well held after 4 months off, a grand servant to connections over a long career, his debut coming nearly 7 years previously, and now heading off to retirement; in touch, left behind from 3 out.

PUT THE KETTLE ON (IRE) twice a winner at this meeting, looks rather out of sorts with the game at the moment and failed to revive for the fitting of headgear, geed up beforehand; handy, pressed leader early final circuit, left in front ninth, headed before 3 out, left behind soon after.

CHACUN POUR SOI (FR) hadn't been seen at his best in 2 previous visits to Britain, so it was frustrating that he didn't get the chance to put the record straight, departing after a rare jumping lapse; led until blundered and unseated rider ninth.

SHISHKIN (IRE) was a massive disappointment, connections blaming the ground, though he gave such a lethargic performance, beaten almost from the off, that there was surely something more to it than that; held up, jumped ponderously, never travelling well, pulled up after eighth; hopefully he can bounce back next time, with time to recover for either Punchestown or Sandown.