Dom D'Orgeval was far superior than these over hurdles and he gets the nod to make his chasing debut a winning one, at the main expense of Private Be. The last-named is ultra-consistent, never finishing out of the first two on his six starts. He looks like a horse with a future and this left-handed track will suit him as he tends to jump out to the left a bit. However, this looks a tough assignment against a classy sort, and so he may just have to use this experience and then build on it in the coming months. Dorney's Well has looked reluctant on his two chase starts to date and whilst he could improve, it might not be enough today. The ex-Irish gelding was a fair hurdler but hasn't transferred that ability to the bigger obstacles as of yet so is passed over, as is Scania Classic who appears to be hopelessly out of his depth. Our vote then goes to Dom D'Orgeval. Formerly with Nick Williams, he has moved to the in-form David Pipe yard and was a class above these over hurdles. The trip and ground appear to be ideal for the promising recruit to chasing, and he is given the confident selection.
Dom d'Orgeval (FR) 11-2 (11-4) Held up last, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on to take 3rd flat, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Inglis Drever (11-8) at Newbury 3m hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Dorneys Well (IRE) 7-2fav (10-11) Held up, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Jarro (11-10) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Private Be 3-1fav (11-9) Hung left throughout, made all, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec beating Hawridge Star (11-4) by 3l, 13 ran.
Scania Classic 100-1 (10-5) Held up, weakened from 6th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Anglicisme (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec, 16 ran.
