A decent Class2 Chase and not hard to see where the likely winner is to come from with OLDORANGEWOOD, CEPAGE and SULLY DOC AA dominating the market.

 

OLDORANGEWOOD has an excellent record in this race, winning in 2017 off a mark of 145, again last year off 135, and has had a similar seasonal debut to last year, running OK recently at Aintree. A mark of 147 and a year older asks a bit more but it's hard to argue about its chances.

 

CEPAGE makes seasonal debut for Venetia Williams, it's her time of year, horses ticks every box, well almost and it's that niggle that makes it slightly over-bet I think. All of its wins and best runs have come with "soft" in the Going description and there is just that niggle that they go a yard faster on Good Going and the horse blows at a crucial stage. For that reason I'd just prefer the more race fit Oldorangewood.

 

Sully Doc AA ran well at Ascot to win last time out, hard to quantify just how good that form is but will be a bit danger from a Yard that seems back on an upwardly mobile trajectory after a couple of seasons on a plateau in form

 

Of the remainder, Gala Ball is a Course and Distance winner from the Hobbs yard, clearly has had problems, but a horse on a nice mark and would be no surprise to see it outrun Odds here and one to follow after this run for sure if they can keep it fit.

 

The market value may be with FIDUX , basically a solid horse in this Grade with nothing hidden from the handicapper. Got some decent summer form on Good Going, though some of that form may not be quite as impressive as it looks but sure to be fit, run to the line and possibly nick a place if Cepage needs the run and Sully Doc isn't all its cracked up to be.