ASCOT 15:00

All 5 ran. Fences: 13. Race Distance Adjustment: +42 yds

Time: 4m 14.8s Closing Sectional: (3.8f): 55.2s (102.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 100.8%

A race which has been won by some top-class 2m chasers since it was controversially switched from a limited handicap to a Grade 1 in 2008, the last 3 winners - Sprinter Sacre, Sire de Grugy and Dodging Bullets - going on to success in the Champion Chase itself, the latest winner Un de Sceaux confirming himself as the most likely successor to that trio at Cheltenham with an authoritative win, showing form well up to the standard of previous winners of this race, the third Traffic Fluide, having his first run of the season, shaping really well and perhaps the biggest threat to Un de Sceaux in March.

UN DE SCEAUX (FR) had fluffed his lines at Leopardstown but made no mistake this time, his first win out of novice company confirming him as the one to beat in the Champion Chase; led, jumped slightly left at times, travelled well, shaken up before last, kept on well run-in, well on top finish; he has still more to offer and will be hard to beat if he puts in a clear round at Cheltenham.

SIRE DE GRUGY (FR) perhaps wasn't quite at the level he'd shown on his first 2 starts this season, the attempt to try and close down the winner probably the main factor in that, having nothing left to give after closing slightly between the last 2; chased leader, ridden straight, no extra after last; he'll give a good account in the Champion Chase but it's hard to see why he should beat an on-song Un de Sceaux.

TRAFFIC FLUIDE (FR) progressed into a smart performer in his first season over fences and, although unconsidered by the market, shaped very well on his first outing since finishing third in the Maghull at Aintree last spring, looking very much at home at this level and promising more to come, every chance that he will improve past his stable-companion another time and perhaps even the main danger to Un de Sceaux at Cheltenham; held up, travelled well, effort 2 out, not quicken between last 2, kept on well run-in, almost snatched second on line.

VIBRATO VALTAT (FR) couldn't beat the runner-up on their running previously this season and duly didn't, unlikely to fare any better against the top 2m chasers in the Champion Chase, no surprise to see him tried again over further (also in the Ryanair); waited with, mistake seventh, ridden after 3 out, one paced straight.

SIMPLY NED (IRE) has always come up short in graded company and did so again, essentially just not good enough and not far below form; tracked pace, ridden 4 out, one paced straight.