“GIVE a man a reputation as an early riser and he can sleep ‘til noon.” – Mark Twain.

It seems whoever is compiling the Racing Post best 50 Two-Mile Chasers has been well swayed by this old saying. There are many strange placings.

Admirable and attractive as Simonsig was, he won three races over fences, one Grade 2 and the Arkle, each starting at odds-on. He never beat a decent rival.

It seems that the praise lavished on him by Nicky Henderson on his home work has allowed him to be in 32nd place while Champion Chase winner Buck House is 34th and Bobsline, who beat the 31st rated Noddys Ryde the only time they met, is 50th. Stewards inquiry please.

Mares in place

IT was great to see three mares, and Grade 1 winning mares at that, entered in the Champion Hurdle this week. That’s the place for them now, but how many will run?