2022 Queen Mother Champion Chase

[Quevega]

Why did it aid Shishkin more when Energumene was seen by many as a Ryanair possible? Isn't it just that Shishkin has an ability to quicken at the end of his races rather than just stay?

Think he means on the day.

And I'm not sure Shishkin was quickening vs Energumene slowing, as it took long enough for him to make an impression.
The percentage call is that Energumene probably just tied up a little after setting such a good gallop.

It still wouldn't settle any arguments about who the strongest stayer is as it's about racing efficiently on the day.
Although it looks like Shishkin may have more stamina from that evidence.

[archie]

To put the Hill into perspective, it rises 8 metres in the final 2.25 furlongs after a long downhill run. In comparison, Leopardstown rises 8 metres in the final 2.5 furlongs and 15 metres in the final 6 furlongs. Ascot rises 22 metres from Swinley Bottom (about 7 furlongs?) so you could argue that both finishes are more testing than Cheltenham because it requires effort over a longer distance. Indeed, horses can to a certain extent freewheel down the hill at Cheltenham. The main factor in Cheltenham's reputation for a testing finish is that championship races are generally run faster throughout so it's more difficult to conserve energy for the finish.

There's no particular reason why Energumene should turn the tables on Shishkin but the difference is only a length/pound and a jumping mistake closer to the finish could scupper either horse's chances. It seems that Energumene is normally asked to increase the tempo in the third quarter of his races but at Cheltenham it would mean doing that downhill which is risky. If he goes a little earlier it might force Nico to try and get closer downhill which will bring the second last into play as a critical point in the race.

[Quevega]

To put the Hill into perspective, it rises 8 metres in the final 2.25 furlongs after a long downhill run. In comparison, Leopardstown rises 8 metres in the final 2.5 furlongs and 15 metres in the final 6 furlongs. Ascot rises 22 metres from Swinley Bottom (about 7 furlongs?) so you could argue that both finishes are more testing than Cheltenham because it requires effort over a longer distance. Indeed, horses can to a certain extent freewheel down the hill at Cheltenham. The main factor in Cheltenham's reputation for a testing finish is that championship races are generally run faster throughout so it's more difficult to conserve energy for the finish.

There's no particular reason why Energumene should turn the tables on Shishkin but the difference is only a length/pound and a jumping mistake closer to the finish could scupper either horse's chances. It seems that Energumene is normally asked to increase the tempo in the third quarter of his races but at Cheltenham it would mean doing that downhill which is risky. If he goes a little earlier it might force Nico to try and get closer downhill which will bring the second last into play as a critical point in the race.

Cheers archie, I was looking for the gradients earlier as I had in mind the steady rise at Ascot.
From the top of the hill is where it will all play out I reckon, and that fence at speed will be crucial for both.

[Run4Home]

Blake wrote about it awhile back - https://cheltenham.attheraces.com/fe...heltenham-hill

[FinalFurlong91]

So what I'm getting from this is energumene is a banker

Tank away down the hill, less of a hill for shiskin to catch him

Job done

[Stormez]

A lack of course form for Energumene is obviously a negative, but on the other side of the coin it might turn out he loves the course just as much as Shishkin. Would love to see him pouring on down the hill.

We won’t know until the day.

[Kevloaf]

I guess the only risk I can see with the 5/4 Energumene bet (w/o Shishkin), bar the usual ones with all bets (has to get there and has to jump round)
Is if they try something different, and it backfires. Perhaps going even harder in front and not getting home.
Very hard to see how it doesn't return though.

Like they tried with Min?!

[Lobos]

Like they tried with Min?!

.....and Chacun last year.

[FinalFurlong91]

Like they tried with Min?!

I had min without altior in so many multis that year hahaha

[Kevloaf]

.....and Chacun last year.

Do those examples make it more likely or less likely they try different tactics

I had min without altior in so many multis that year hahaha

Yeah me too.... it stopped me putting so much more on the Energumene bet

[Pendil1111]

Think he means on the day.

And I'm not sure Shishkin was quickening vs Energumene slowing, as it took long enough for him to make an impression.
The percentage call is that Energumene probably just tied up a little after setting such a good gallop.

It still wouldn't settle any arguments about who the strongest stayer is as it's about racing efficiently on the day.
Although it looks like Shishkin may have more stamina from that evidence.

To me Energumene looked the speed horse and Shishkin the stayer , fascinating race tho' ! On the face of it....looked like both horses had a hard race ?

[Green Goddess]

Chacun Pour Soi out to 12s from 8s with PP

[Lobos]

Chacun Pour Soi out to 12s from 8s with PP

Dangling a rotten carrot I reckon

[Green Goddess]

Dangling a rotten carrot I reckon

Yeah, sounds like it. Not one I'm on, or interested in, but must be a concern for any backers

[Lobos]

Yeah, sounds like it. Not one I'm on, or interested in, but must be a concern for any backers

Can't imagine anyone is on him