THE Champion Chase picture has been struggling for shape since Douvan was withdrawn from it. Min did pass the post first in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase on Wednesday but, even before the stewards demoted him to second place, it was not an impressive performance.

Willie Mullins’ horse was keener than ideal through the early stages of the race. He is still young and inexperienced. It may pay to retain faith in him. He should have been beating Simply Ned, a horse who will be 11 on Monday and who was rated 9lb inferior.