DEFENDING champion Sire De Grugy did everything that was asked of him at Chepstow on Saturday and looks like heading to Cheltenham with every chance in the Betway Champion Chase.

Running in the Rifles Handicap Chase after a lack-lustre reappearance at Newbury was an interesting and unusual move by trainer Gary Moore. Set to carry 11st 12lb in very soft ground, Sire De Grugy was conceding lumps of weight to his three rivals.

However, he jumped well for Jamie Moore as Mister Grez led Grey Gold, moved into third five out, then second, then took over from Grey Gold at the penultimate fence. From then on it was plain sailing as he went away to beat that rival by seven lengths with Mister Grez third and Far West a disappointing last.

“He was jumping so well,” Jamie Moore enthused. “Half-way up the straight I was buzzing because he was giving me such a wonderful feel. He’s right back to where he was at this stage last year and goes to Cheltenham with every chance. I certainly wouldn’t swap him.”

There is no doubt Gary Moore was a little disappointed when Sire De Grugy unseated at Newbury on his return from a long, niggling hip injury but he was much happier last week.

“He’s come out of it absolutely fine and I was very impressed with him,” the trainer said. “It was near enough his first run of the season and now we’ve just got to get him back for Cheltenham.”

Initial bookmaker reaction saw Sire De Grugy cut to 4/1 to retain his title but that price soon evaporated, with sponsors Betway one of those going 7/2. That still leaves Sprinter Sacre as marginal favourite in most lists on 3/1 and Nicky Henderson is said to be very happy with him.

One disturbing note on Saturday concerned the win Tote dividend, which was £1.40, or 2/5 against an SP of 5/4 favourite. The Tote may talk about international pools being rather different from domestic markets but this was merely the latest in a series of disappointing returns. The harsh truth is that most seasoned racegoers know there is little point in backing well-tipped, well-fancied horses on the Tote and it is vital to brave the elements outside.

Pipe in fine form

DAVID Pipe cannot go wrong on Saturdays and completed a double as 8/1 chance Virtuel D’Oudon just pipped stable-companion Katkeau in the Pertemps Qualifier and 15/8 joint-favourite Ballywilliam ran away with the bumper.

Both were ridden by promising 5lb claimer Kieron Edgar. Bob Buckler’s Ugolin De Beaumont (4/6 favourite) was just as impressive in the opening Betway Maiden Hurdle. He looks decidedly useful but will not be going to Cheltenham this time around.