Energumene defended his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in great style by coasting to a ten-length victory but it is difficult to know quite what to make of this form, writes Chris Nash.

Forty-six days earlier he had finished just under seven-lengths behind both Editeur Du Gite and Edwardstone in the Grade 1 Clarence House chase over the new course at this track but that form was comprehensively reversed here on the old course with Editeur Du Gite finishing the best part of thirty-five lengths behind him in fourth and Edwardstone trailing in last of the five finishers some sixty-four lengths adrift of the winner. Neither of them can have run their race which provides no assistance in knowing what level Energumene has run to.

The winner went into the race the highest rated on 175 and he has a career best figure of 176. The runner-up, Captain Guinness, was rated 159 so in beating him by ten-lengths Energumene has run to a bare figure of 169-170. You can then add on to that for the ease of victory. My initial thinking is a figure in the mid-170’s which will have this in and around a career best performance but I will need to consult with my Irish colleagues before finalising a rating.