Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 1.83s

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Selected odds by:

Greaneteen²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 167| D

3/1

Confirmed himself a top-class chaser with emphatic win in Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown by 5½ lengths from Hitman. Likeable sort who is sure to go well again.

Form: 2341-41

Sky Pirate^t³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 157| D

20/1

Signed off last term with Grand Annual Chase win at Cheltenham and back with two solid efforts to make the frame in 2m handicaps there and at Ascot. He still has a bit to find on form here, though.

Form: 1121-24

Shishkin²⁶¹

4/9

Went unbeaten in five runs over fences last term when making up into a top-class novice, easily winning Arkle Chase at Cheltenham. Fine jumper. Returns after a wind op, and very much the one to beat.

Form: 1/11111-

Before Midnight³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas| OR: 148| D

12/1

Showed himself to be still on the up over fences when completing a four-timer in 2m handicap at Ascot last month. This demands a lot more, however.

Form: 3211-11

Forecasts

Shishkin (4/9), Greaneteen (3/1), Before Midnight (12/1), Sky Pirate (20/1)

Nicky Henderson's last two winners of this Grade 2 have been Altior and Sprinter Sacre no less and he looks to have another mighty 2m chaser on his hands in SHISKIN who dazzled when going unbeaten in five runs last term and is confidently expected to return in style here. Tingle Creek hero Greaneteen appeals as the one to chase him home ahead of Sky Pirate in what promises to be a thrilling race.