In the absence of Sprinter Sacre, Sire De Grugy has stepped up as the leading two-mile steeplechaser with his Grade One victory at Ascot.
Trainer Gary Moore will now aim him at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival where he is favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
His jockey Jamie Moore admitting “he was having a laugh at them” approaching the final two fences of the Clarence House Chase which he won by 11 lengths.
Gary Moore said he did not believe Cheltenham was the ideal track for the horse but he deserved his chance.
“He’s got to go for it. I think he’s an improving horse and I’ve got nearly two months to freshen him up,” Moore said.
“I’ll give him a nice break for a couple of weeks then we’ll bring him back purposely for the Champion Chase. He deserves to be in it.
His jockey son said the win was spectacular.
“Today he felt as good as he has ever felt,” he said. “Sprinter Sacre is a great horse, but today was his most impressive performance.
“I’m not saying he’ll beat the other horse (Sprinter Sacre), but he could do.”
Sprinter Sacre lost his unbeaten record over fences when he was pulled up at his latest start in the Desert Orchid Chase won by Sire De Grugy.
He was found to have an irregular heartbeat and trainer Nicky Henderson will continue to monitor him before a decision is made on whether he can get back in time for Cheltenham.
