Ruby Walsh tips Shishkin for Champion Chase entry at 2022 Cheltenham Festival

Shishkin is almost certain to be targeted for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at next year’s Cheltenham Festival, according to Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old scored a comfortable 12l win in the 2m Arkle Chase to continue an unbeaten season as a novice chaser and follow up last year’s success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Paddy Power have installed Shishkin as the 5/4 antepost favourite for the 2022 Queen Mother Champion Chase – the shorter of the two Championship chases at the Festival – and our resident jockey-turned-pundit believes it is the right path for connections to follow.

Speaking about Shiskin’s Arkle Chase win on the latest episode of From The Horse’s Mouth, Ruby said: “He was very good.

“Allmankind and Captain Guinness blazed along and went a really strong gallop and it set up beautifully for Shishkin, who was in behind and jumped like he always does. He was just way too good for the opposition a bit like Appreciate It and won as he pleased.

“Harry Cobden gave Eldorado Allen a really good ride to rob second but there was only one horse in it from a long way out.

“I couldn’t see them going any other road [than the Champion Chase].”

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Shishkin’s task was made easier by the late withdrawal of Willie Mullins’ Energumene. As a result, Paddy Power trader Frank Hickey believes it was a low-quality field but Shishkin’s class shone through with a comprehensive win.

Frank said: “It was a brilliant ride from Harry Cobden to get Eldorado Allen up to second but I’m pretty confident he’s not the second best horse in the race.

“Shishkin was impressive. I get what you’re saying about the race losing a bit of it’s excitement with Energumene not being in it but you’re looking at next year’s Champion Chase and he’s already 5/4.

“He was an impressive winner of what was behind him a sub-standard Arkle but he is a top-class horse.”

*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules

Read More on the Cheltenham Festival

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