Altior and Cyrname: Best Performances

Altior

Desert Orchid Chase (Timeform performance rating 180)
Kempton, Thursday 27^th December, 2018 

Altior was entitled to win considering he had 19 lb in hand of his rivals on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings – and he was sent off at 8/1-on – but the style of his performance could hardly have been more impressive. Nicky Henderson’s outstanding chaser tanked along throughout, putting in an expert display of jumping and making short work of a couple of vert smart types in the shape of Diego du Charmil and Special Tiara, cruising clear after two out.

Flawless Altior remains unbeaten over obstacles after winning the Desert Orchid Chase at @kemptonparkrace 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/s9fgGNjTv0

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 27, 2018

Queen Mother Champion Chase (Timeform performance rating 179)
Cheltenham, Wednesday 14^th March, 2018

This promised to be one of the highlights of the whole season and didn't disappoint, Altior powering away from Min - who himself was finishing off well - to gain a third successive victory at the Festival. It was an ultimately dominant performance from Altior, even though it didn’t look all that likely three out. He was being pushed along and chased the leaders entering the straight but turned on the after-burners after the second-last and stormed home to score by seven lengths

Cyrname

Betfair Ascot Chase (Timeform performance rating 173)
Ascot, Saturday 16^th February, 2019

It looked a strong renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase on paper, but Cyrname turned the race into a procession, confirming himself a Grade 1 performer following his bloodless success in a handicap over the same C&D a month earlier. Paul Nicholls’ exciting chaser produced one of the performances of the season, making all and jumping superbly throughout. He quickened clear three out and stayed on strongly to put 17 lengths between himself and his nearest rival.

A stunning performance from CYRNAME in the Ascot Chase!

He's destroyed a classy field under @CobdenHarry and with a special performance!

What a fantastic day for @PFNicholls...

📽️ @itvracing
pic.twitter.com/4OgBONzgNX

— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) February 16, 2019

bet365 Handicap Chase (Timeform performance rating 171)
Ascot, Saturday 19^th January, 2019

Cyrname had been beaten twice on his first two starts of the season, but proved a completely different proposition back up in trip and with front-running tactics employed. He stayed on strongly to turn what looked a competitive handicap into a procession. It was a performance that propelled him into the top bracket of chasers.