Unibet Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 3m 50.25s

Altior¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 175| CD

1/8

Exceptional reigning 2m champion chaser unbeaten over fences or hurdles with a winning run of 15 races stretching way back to 2015. Rated at least 19lb superior to all rivals here so should win with bare minimum of fuss.

Form: 11/111-1

Diego Du Charmil^t⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 156| D

11/1

Aintree Grade One win as a novice took form to new level but put in his place at Sandown by Altior who beat him by 16L. Entitled to come on for his reappearance effort at Exeter last month and has claims to chase Altior home.

Form: 32F15-5

Diakali^b¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 150| D

33/1

Three from four since switching to chasing with three easy wins at Newton Abbot, Fontwell and Cheltenham. Jumping found out latest in Grade One novice at Sandown and appears the least likely of the five here.

Form: 66-111P

Special Tiara¹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 155| CD

8/1

Front-running 2017 Champion Chaser has won this twice but was dispatched with ease at Cheltenham and Sandown late last season by Altior. Not at his best on return at Cork but ground soft enough so every chance to chase home Altior.

Form: 3F3P4-3

Speredek^p,t³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: N J Hawke| OR: 154| D

9/1

Highly progressive chaser won twice last season before coming up slightly short in top grade contests. Very sound return in a handicap with plenty of weight so arrives in better form than all bar Altior.

Form: 212P8-2

Forecasts

Altior (1/8), Special Tiara (8/1), Speredek (9/1), Diego Du Charmil (11/1), Diakali (33/1)

ALTIOR is already being compared to some of the all-time greats over this distance and should coast home here en-route to defending his crown at the Cheltenham Festival. Best of the rest here looks dual winner of the race Special Tiara who isn't getting any younger but the veteran is ideally suited by 2m on this speed favouring course. Diego Du Charmil is well held by Altior but has youth on his side so could easily improve again this year.