I'M THE DECIDER didn't win with too much in hand last time however he is unexposed at this trip and is tentatively selected ahead of Dom D'Orgeval and Caipiroska. The most interesting horse in the line-up is top-weight Dom D'Orgeval who returns to hurdles. He was last seen pulling up in a Listed Chase at Ascot and has now failed to complete in three of his last four starts. His chase mark has now plummeted to the same as his hurdles mark today and it is interesting to see him here; if the market speaks in his favour then it would be foolish to ignore his chance. Preference though is for I'm The Decider who has a different profile. Jonjo O'Neill's progressive gelding is fitted with cheek-pieces today as he perhaps fails to concentrate fully in his races. His chasing career has been put on hold for the time being and he can continue to progress over hurdles and defy a 7lb higher mark this afternoon. Caipiroska was firmly put in his place last time out at Warwick but the ground was very testing on that day. He has a decent record when the money comes for him and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back off the same mark today. Jeepstar represents a trainer enjoying a real purple patch but this experienced gelding was a low point in December. On a form line through Six Day War he has an awful lot to find with the selection. Snake Charmer looks high enough in the weights and the same applies to Mortimers Cross. On the other hand it is feasible that Scarvagh Diamond could be well-treated as he returns to hurdles off a mark 4lbs lower than his chase rating; however a safer bet looks to be recent winner I'm The Decider.
Dom d'Orgeval (FR) 16-1 (10-5) Behind from 9th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Niche Market (9-9) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs in Dec, 14 ran.
Dan Buoy (FR) 10-1 (10-7) Raced keenly, held up behind, lost touch 9th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Heraldry (10-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan, 8 ran.
Mortimers Cross 16-1 (11-11) Mid-division until weakened after 4 out, 10th of 18, well behind Heathcliff (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Snake Charmer 11-2 (10-1) Prominent, ridden and outpaced 7th, stayed on from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Captain Americo (10-10) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft.
Jeepstar 20-1 (11-4) Prominent, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Six Day War (11-4) at Hereford 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec, 14 ran.
Scarvagh Diamond (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) In touch, weakened 10th, tailed off, 5th of 6, well behind More Likely (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 5f mrs hcp chs (3) hvy in Dec.
I'm The Decider (IRE) 7-2fav (11-3) Raced wide, held up, headway under pressure approaching 9th, driven to chase leader approaching 3 out, led last, stayed on well flat, won at Ludlow 3m amt hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Jan beating Old Peak Road (10-13) by 2l, 16 ran.
Caipiroska 7-1 (10-7) Held up in last, headway 8th, went 2nd after 3 out, no chance with winner before 2 out, 2nd of 7, 27l behind Heathcliff (10-5) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan.
Imtihan (IRE) 20-1 (9-11) Chased leader, weakened after 4 out, 7th of 13, 26l behind Laredo Sound (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
