The Pertemps Final is rarely a race to overcomplicate. Big field, searching gallop, plenty in with chances, and the result usually goes to a horse that stays well, travels kindly and is still improving. This year’s renewal looks set up for exactly that type again.
The pace angle is a major part of the race. HRB has it down as a very strong shape with a high collapse risk, and that fits what we can already see on paper. There are enough forward goers in here to ensure this is properly run. In a race over three miles at Cheltenham, that matters. Horses ridden patiently and able to finish off strongly are the ones I want to be with.
That brings me straight to Champagne Chic.
He has the right profile for a Pertemps Final. He is a six-year-old on the upgrade, he stays, and his recent form suggests he is still ahead of the handicapper. He won well at Wincanton in January and followed up with a decisive success at Haydock over three miles on good to soft. That was not a lucky win or a messy race falling apart in his lap. He travelled, found plenty and put the race to bed in good style.
Timeform’s pace view is also a big plus. They make the point that Champagne Chic, rather than Gowel Road, is the one likely to be favoured by how this race should unfold if ridden as usual. That is important because the Pertemps Final is often won before the home turn by a horse conserving energy while others do too much too soon.
HRB strengthens the case. Champagne Chic is marked down as a hold-up horse, a very consistent one, and a strong late finisher. In this race, with this likely setup, that is exactly what you want. He is not just a horse in form. He is a horse whose style should be suited by the shape of the contest.
The mark of 131 also looks fair rather than punitive. Recent winners of this race have often come from that sort of range, and it is far easier to make a case for a progressive horse off 131 than for a classier one lumping top weight in a rough handicap.
There are dangers, of course.
Supremely West is the obvious one on Timeform’s overall verdict. His Cheltenham form from the autumn reads well, and Dan Skelton is always to be respected in these races. But there is a fair bit of forgiving needed on his more recent efforts. He is well treated if bouncing back, but you are still paying to find out whether the revival is coming.
C’est Different is another major player. Four handicap wins on the spin is no fluke, and he could easily prove up to this level. He is clearly progressing fast and deserves his place near the top of the market. Still, at the prices, I slightly prefer the stronger pace-collapse angle behind Champagne Chic.
Kikijo has solid claims too. He has Cheltenham form, won his qualifier, and looks the type to run his race. He is one for the shortlist, but he does not quite appeal as much as the main selection if this turns into a gruelling test from the second last.
At bigger prices, Bold Endeavour is interesting if able to roll back the years, while Absolutely Doyen has a good HRB figure and could be better than his current mark. Even so, both come with their own questions in a race that usually punishes anything less than a complete fit.
The key point is this: in a Pertemps Final, I want a horse with the right run style, proven stamina and the sense that the handicapper has not caught up yet. Champagne Chic fits that bill better than anything else in the field.
He is improving, he should get the race run to suit, and he looks the sort to come through late when others have cried enough.
Verdict
Champagne Chic is the selection.
Main dangers: C’est Different, Kikijo and Supremely West.
Is he bombproof?
So so.
This is still the Pertemps Final, not a penalty kick. But he has plenty in his favour and makes more appeal than most.