The feature race of the day can go to OSCAR WHISKY although in Ghizao and Salden Licht he faces some stiff opposition. It is hard to tell how good the selection is given that he is yet to really come off the bridle on his three runs to date. However Spirit Of Adjisa who was brushed aside last time out doesn't look a no-hoper, and with improvement to come now facing classier opposition he is given the nod. Ghizao suffered his first reverse when second to General Miller at Prestbury Park, but he didn't lose much in defeat and if his jumping is improved on slightly then he rates a big threat. The yard have won four of the last six renewals. With the nagging doubt that better ground may suit that runner more, the main danger may be Salden Licht. He impressed when dotting up at Newbury and this son of Fantastic Light evidently revels in soft ground, as his Flat form backs up. Timmy Murphy is an interesting jockey booking for Supernoverre and he cannot be overlooked given his second to Spunk here last time out. Now ridden by a professional, there may be even more to come, not that Mr Banks did anything wrong last time mind you. William Hogarth brings a solid level of form to the table including a close-up fourth to Loosen My Load at Cheltenham in November. The stable are often under-rated and their horses underestimated, however this renewal can go to Oscar Whisky.
Ghizao (GER) 10-11fav (10-12) Chased leader to 4 out, remained in 3rd, chased leader and hit 2 out, led soon after, hard driven and pressed last, stayed on until no extra and headed final 75 yards, 2nd of 8, 1l behind General Miller (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (3) sft in Dec.
Oscar Whisky (IRE) 4-11fav (11-0) Tracked clear leaders, led approaching 3 out, drew clear on bit approaching last, comfortably, won at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Spirit of Adjisa (11-0) by 7l, 14 ran.
Salden Licht 2-1fav (11-0) Close up, headway to chase leaders going well approaching 3 out, led before 2 out, drew clear flat, driven out, won at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Nice One Eric (11-0) by 6l, 18 ran.
William Hogarth 4-1 (10-9) Led, challenged halfway, hard ridden and hung left approaching last, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 9, hd behind Tasheba (11-12) at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (0-150) (1) hvy in Dec.
Supernoverre (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) In touch, driven and headway approaching last, soon chasing winner, kept on, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Spunk (11-0) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
