2.30 Kempton
williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £45,560
Sire De Grugy: has very quickly progressed into seriously
useful chaser, winning Celebration Chase at end of novice season getting weight
before making mockery of Chepstow handicap in October; Turned over at
Cheltenham in Shloer Chase when giving 10lbs to Kid Cassidy proved too much but
ready winner of Tingle Creek and only horse who can look to hold candle to
Sacre here. 
Sprinter Sacre: 13 from 13 over fences, having won at the
three major festivals last season, destroying Sizing Europe in Champion Chase
before career best when landing Melling Chase at Aintree and then having enough
left to win Punchestown equivalent, never in any serious danger on any of the
three occasions; Below par scope forced him to miss Tingle Creek but should
make it 14 wins over fences here. 
Fago: Looked an extremely promising chaser when winning well
on debut from France and then falling well in control of Warwick Grade 2;
Disappointment since then although back on song at Haydock when beating three
rivals; Could still have potential and more to give but not sure he’s upto this
class. 
Oiseau De Nuit: Third in the Grand Annual and then romped
home at Aintree; Held high level of form since but beaten double figures by
Sire De Grugy latest, as he has been the case on their last three meetings.
Astracad: Close second in Old Roan Chase wasn’t followed up
with as close a finish in Paddy Power Gold Cup; Third in competitive Haydock
race latest but this a lot harder. 
Tataniano: Been well beaten behind Sire De Grugy in Tingle
Creek and also Cheltenham conditions chase as well; Hard to see him getting
close.
VERDICT: The treat that is SPRINTER SACRE should be something
for all to enjoy, with Nicky Henderson’s charge given the all clear to start
his season. Sire De Grugy gives the race real credibility and with the ground
in his favour, can provide a level of interest and take an easy second.
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