This big, strong horse just demolished his rivals to score by 14 lengths after making only a single slight jumping error just before halfway.

The most impressive part of this performance was that it came over only two miles. The way he won suggests to me that if Arvika Ligeonniere had some competition in the closing stages he could have equaled the stratospheric ratings I’ve awarded him for some of this two and a half mile wins. Yes the ground was heavy and you could argue it made the race ride like a two and a half mile contest.

However, besides this smart run, Arvika Ligeonniere has also won two Grade 1s over two miles. So I think it’s fair to say he can be fully effective over the minimum distance as long as the ground is soft or heavy.

The big question, in regards to Cheltenham, is whether Arvika Ligeonniere can be effective enough on a left-handed course to take the Champion Chase. Until now I’ve pretty much dismissed that idea, given his habit of jumping right and his superior record on courses that turn right. Now

I’m beginning to factor in the possibility that the incredibly wet winter will continue and that the Champion Chase will be as weak as my ratings say should Sprinter Sacre fail to bounce back to form.

If the Champion Chase were run on soft ground around a right-handed course I’d be very wary of opposing Arvika Ligeonniere. So there has to be a chance his class edge will enable him to prevail even if he runs a fair bit below form due to the course turning the wrong way.