SPEED FIGURES
Mike Francis was impressed by Paul Nicholls’ star as he silenced Altior

THE best chase since our last issue – on the clock at least – came at Ascot where CYRNAME (154) put ALTIOR (152) firmly in his place. The authority of the performance by Paul Nicholls’ star is not really reflected in those figures as it was an imperious display that rightly catapulted him to the head of the King George betting on Boxing Day.
He has run in that Christmas highlight as this issue was winging its way to you and it’s likely to be his cup final for the season. Unles...