Desert Orchid Chase 2012

2.40 Kempton

williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £25,628

Advice: 1 pt win Sanctuaire (11/10 general)

Sanctuaire: Top class and capable of anything on his day, as his spectacular, all the way, 17 length win in Celebration Chase at backend of last season from Somsersby (soft) showed, making it 3-3 over fences at the time in most brilliant fashion; Same tactics didn’t come off in much anticipated duel with Sprinter Sacre (ended up behind Kumbeshwar) but clearly by far the most talented here; Big form chance if not overdoing it on the ground.

Kumbeshwar: Super admirable type who took advantage of good opportunity when landing Graduation Chase at Haydock; Smartly ridden to beat Sanctuaire for second in Tingle Creek but no chance of confirming that form if that runner able to sustain his gallop in this ground; Placed most likely.

Wishfull Thinking: So much promise as a novice, but his season last year was blighted by breathing issues/poor form, although he was a close second in this race (same rival improved, and then roundly beat him in 2m4f Aintree Grade 1 in April; No answer conceding bags of weight to For Non Stop in Old Roan Chase at beginning of the season but won conditions chase well at Newcastle Cheltenham; Been given a good chance here.

Idarah: Rejuvenated by switch to Venetia Williams, with two wins from two handicap chases at this trip including Kelso handicap success off 136; Miles out of depth in Tingle Creek and likely same situation here.

His Excellency: Impressed in three runs for David Pipe and won his third race over fences when winning at Cheltenham, but only fifth of six when upped to Grade 2 level and nearly last in the Tingle Creek; Second dropped to handicap company latest but this too tall and order.

VERDICT: This rests upon how free SANCUTAUIRE will be in the ground. If able to retain himself early, his form is far superior to that of Kumbeshwar (flattered by his position in the Tingle Creek) and Wishfull Thinking, and even giving away 4lbs he’s the clear choice if not overdoing it from the front like connections did in an effort to beat Sprinter Sacre in the Tingle Creek.