RAJDHANI Express was ostensibly disappointing in finishing an 11-length fourth behind Al Ferof in the Amlin 1965 Chase, but shaped much better than the bare result on ground which is too soft for him, although it was a lack of stamina in conditions which seemed his undoing after he travelled enthusiastically in the early stages.

Once again, he showed that his jumping is a big asset, and he might be worth dropping back to two miles if ridden aggressively.

CHASE DEBUT

It’s worth bearing in mind how weak the Champion Chase could be, and that is amply demonstrated by the fact that Vautour has sprung to prominence on the back of his chase debut.

Given his free-going nature and sound jumping, it would come as no surprise to see Rajdhani Express considered for the two-mile championship should stablemate Sprinter Sacre fail to recover his old form, and he is more appealing than many of those at shorter odds.

Unquoted at present, he would merit a small wager at big odds should he appear among the entries for the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.