The following are a selection of comments from the BHA Handicappers regarding key performances from today’s Cheltenham Festival.

Please note, all ratings quoted are provisional.

John de Moraville on the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase

“Sprinter Sacre put up the best 2m Chase performance in the history of the Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications, bolting up in in the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase by 19 lengths, earning a Mark of 188. This is 2lb higher than the 186 recorded by Master Minded with his stunning victory in the same race 5 years ago.

“Unbeaten now in his eight steeple chases and yet to be fully extended, who is to say the seven-year-old won’t go on to better the highest rated horse in the history of the Classifications in Kauto Star and his rating of 190?

Martin Greenwood on the Neptune Investments Novices’ Hurdle

“The New One confirmed himself top staying Novice with an authoritative performance and initial indications suggest he will be rated 155. The way the race was run suited his style and allowed him to use his basic speed which he has in abundance, and the jockey benefitted from the knowledge he gained in the last race at Cheltenham.

“Some might say the disappointment of the race wa Pont Alexandre. Maybe heeds a stiffer test at the trip, and/or softer ground. In my opinion he will still make a cracking Novice Chaser next year.