Captain Guinness, 13 lengths behind Shishkin when third in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham last month, was at least 20 lengths adrift when he unseated Rachael Blackmore at the final fence, and Energumene crossed the line 16 lengths in front of Janadil without being asked a serious question.
“He’s class, it’s an absolute privilege to ride him,” Townend said. “To get that feeling over two miles in chases twice in one week [after winning on Chacun Pour Soi on Tuesday] is like Christmas coming again. He’s entitled to go over and take everything on [next season]. They [Energumene and Shishkin] are going to meet at some stage and it will be a cracking spectacle.”