Chapoturgeon is the form pick but the way he weakened last time raises a few doubts and narrow preference is for WILLIAM BONNEY ahead of American World. Charlie Mann's gelding returns to fences today after a spell over hurdles. His previous chase starts read well in the context of this race, especially his third behind Arkle second Kruguyrova and his fourth to Presenting Copper. Two recent hurdles runs should have put him spot on for this and on ground that he handles, he looks worth a bet. Chapoturgeon jumped like a buck when last seen at Warwick and two fences from home looked to be winning easily. However he weakened dramatically two out and was well-beaten by Aruldur. That form is solid (latter looks high class) but the worry is a further step up in trip on desperate ground. Sebastiano is yet to win in eight chase starts but he has contested some decent races and cannot be overlooked for place purposes, Jardin De Vienne is yet to win over the obstacles but he makes his chasing debut today and could improve, whilst Black Beauty looks the most interesting of Mick Quinlan's pair on his first start for the yard. American World looks the type to improve for fences and must be considered on his chase bow; however it is William Bonney who is taken to start fulfilling his potential.
Black Beauty 13-2 (10-9) Led, ridden and headed after 3 out, no extra in 4th before 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 5l behind Mister Benedictine (11-3) at Limerick 2m 2f 4yo hdl gd in Oct '07.
Jardin De Vienne (FR) 7-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, ridden after next, beaten before 2 out, 5th of 16, 12l behind Tender Falcon (11-3) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Marsam (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Chased leader, led 3rd, headed 5th, lost place from next, tailed off 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Palomar (11-4) at Catterick 2m nov chs (3) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Sebastiano (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Towards rear, jumped left 4th, ridden 13th, soon held and mistake last, 4th of 10, 29l behind Dream Falcon (9-12) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
William Bonney (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 25l behind Suntini (10-1) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
American World (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Held up, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 29l behind Pinewood Legend (10-9) at Ayr 2m nov hcp hdl (4) sft.
Chapoturgeon (FR) 8-11fav (10-10) Soon pressing leader, led 7th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat, 2nd of 4, 17l behind Araldur (11-4) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov chs (3) sft in Nov.
