Big improver can give the best two-mile chasers a real challenge

The racing over the festive period has not disappointed with many impressive winners on both sides of the Irish Sea, and on December 27 it was the turn of the two-mile chasers.

At Kempton, there was a surprise in the Desert Orchid Chase won by Editeur Du Gite, who achieved his best Racing Post Rating of 165.

It was a good performance from the winner, although it must be noted Nube Negra (159) in second was clearly below his best and the winner's task was made easier by Edwardstone unseating Tom Cannon early in the race.