SOME of what went on at Kempton the day after St Stephen’ Day can only be guessed at, on account of fog dense enough to threaten the continuation of the card at one stage. But overall times, plus sectionals where they were possible, helped to fill in some of the blanks.

Visibility had improved sufficiently by the time of the Unibet Desert Orchid Chase to observe the latest imperious victory of Altior, who thrashed the smart Diego Du Charmil and the on-the-downgrade Special Tiara by 19 lengths and five.

This was close to truly-run, judged by closing sectionals, and Altior has been credited with a 165 timefigure despite doing it with consummate ease. His 174 figure from last season has been reinstated and he leads the way among jumpers seen out so far this season (ahead of Bristol De Mai and Footpad on 171).

COMPARISON

However, it has to be said that a one-on-one comparison between him and Dynamite Dollars, winner of the Wayward Lad Novice Chase earlier on the card, does no harm to the reputation of the latter. Dynamite Dollars was just 1.5s slower than Altior – so would have finished well clear of the second in the Desert Orchid Chase in theory – carrying 1lb more.

That is smart stuff from Dynamite Dollars, who accounted for Kalashnikov by a length and a quarter conceding that one 5lbs in the Wayward Lad itself, with closing sectionals appearing to confirm that the novice race was run at a strong gallop.

As a result, Dynamite Dollars edges to the top of the novice chase division judged on times, with a 156 timefigure. Kalashnikov returned a 149, which is by no means bad for a gelding who probably needs a bit more of a test at two miles or a slightly longer trip.

Eddiemaurice was much the quicker of the two races at two miles over hurdles and posted a solid 127 timefigure in winning the handicap hurdle compared to Beat The Judge’s mere 95 in the steadily run juvenile that opened the card.

PROMISE

Adrien Du Pont made good on the promise of his previous efforts this term by landing some good bets in the handicap chase, though again gave the impression a well-run three miles is as far as he wants to go, even when conditions are only just on the soft side as here. He gets a 136 timefigure for this.

Culture De Sivola registered a 118 timefigure in winning a mares’ handicap hurdle in which the closing stages were quite fast (thereby implying that what had preceded them had not been).