bet365.com Celebration Chase 2012

2.35 Sandown

bet365.com Celebration Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £42,712

Advice: 1 pt win Somersby (3/1 general)

Somsersby: Has long threatened to land a big event, mostly when further than two miles (given that impression since 2010 Arkle); Ran Masterminded to a head in Victor Chandler Chase in 2011 so disappointing at spring festivals but career best when winning Victor Chandler in first time cheekpieces two starts back, form which is arguably the strongest in the field (Wishfull Thinking ran him to a head but that was when Henderson runner tremeodusly unfit); Twice a winner on soft ground which gives hope he’ll handle these conditions.

Cornas: Third in the Tingle Creek after Haldon Gold Cup second, which confirms him as a classy type, and he goes very well in soft condtions; Third in this last year and on the shortlist despite looking to have a bit to find.

Dan Breen: Useful novice chaser but short of the best last season and exposed badly in Arkle and Maghull Chases last year; Close second in Handicap Chase off 142 two starts back but that a long way below what’ll be needed her and ground a question mark too.

French Opera: Winner of this a year ago and good run when second in Game Spirit Chase behind Sprinter Sacre at Newbury, before falling in the Grand Annual; Goes well at this Grade and in these condtions as shown by his Grand Annual Second in soft ground so has to be much respected here.

Sanctuaire: Retains the ability which saw him win Fred Winter juvenile handicap hurdle a couple of years ago and good start to chasing when dominating two inferior small field novice chases at Taunton and Sandown; Has a lot of natural speed and not one to doubt but this much harder and softer ground a worry for one who’s all about natural travelling speed.

West With The Wind: : Served notice of how useful he is when beating useful Irish Chaser Loosen My Load at Listowel, going on from some way out and not ever being reeled in; Been off for 167 days since though and trying to front run this field out of the game will be harder.

Whishfull Thinking: Been a massive disappointment this season based on his impressive and admirable novice campaign, which he rounded off with wins at Aintree and Punchestown Festivals; Back to best when second in Melling Chase at Aintree and deserves respect on that although might want the ground to be that step quicker.

Woolcombe Folly: Proven to be a major disappointment based on handicap chase win which saw his mark raised to 169, that of a Championship class horse; tongue tied first time since bumper.

VERDICT: A tricky contest with 6 all capable of winning on their day. SOMERSBY has his own quirks but 2 miles on ground with cut poses no problems for him and if able to bring his best to the table he’ll be mightily hard to beat, as shown by his win in the Victor Chandler Chase. Wishfull Thinking travelled like he was back to his best at Aintree but he’s struggled at 2 miles this season which is a worry, and French Opera looks to be a big threat with ground not a problem to him at all. Sanctuaire has loads of class but being headstrong could cost him here and this is a much harder task than his two small field novice chases. Cornas could be one to take advantage if others fail or underperform today.