Shishkin ran out a brilliant winner of the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy under Nico De Boinville for Nicky Henderson on Tuesday.
The 4/9 favourite had a clear form chance following the defection of Energumene and he was simply too good for his rivals following another exceptional display.
De Boinville was content to let Allmankind and Captain Guinness tussle for the lead and he sat five or six lengths off the leaders as he let Shishkin settle into a lovely rhythm.
The race changed complexion in the blink of an eye as De Boinville moved Shishkin up into the lead on the turn for home and soon enough the only dangers were in front of him.
He negotiated the last two fences without drama to run out an easy 12-length winner from Eldorado Allen, who ran on from the back to steal second.
RESULT: 1.55 Cheltenham - Sporting Life Arkle
1st SHISHKIN 4/9 fav
2nd Eldorado Allen 33/1
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“I’m absolutely over the moon," De Boinville said. "I’m just delighted to be on a horse like Shishkin. His profile is amazing and he’s a fantastic horse.
“Thank you to Mr Donnelly and his family who have been really good to us and I’m delighted to be here with the sun out.
“After that performance he could be anything. It’s a massive shame Energumene didn’t come over and hopefully he’ll be alright for later in the season – it would have been some match – but Shishkin was in fantastic form today and would have taken a lot of beating.
“He’s very versatile and lets not pigeon hole him to trips at the moment. That was a very hard, fast-run race and no prisoners were taken.”
Henderson delight
Henderson said: “We’ve been very lucky in these two mile chasers, especially recently. Altior followed Sprinter and now there seems to be another one and I really believe it.
“It was a long time since Remittance Man and he was a star too. It’s not the same, it will never be the same without the people here, but it still does the same to you watching them on the way round. Even if you’re a short price favourite as we were it’s still scary.”
Bookmaker reaction
Sky Bet reacted by cutting Shishkin to 5/2 for next year's Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Spokesman Michael Shinners said: "What a wonderful performance from Shishkin who showed his class to power away from his field. He looks a horse who will continue to go from strength to strength and already looks a ready made contender for next year's Queen Mother Champion Chase."
