Kempton preview: Desert Orchid Chase (14.00)

David Metcalf | December 24, 2015

Former two mile champions Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre lock horns in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton (14.00) on Sunday, and the latter looks a worthy favourite to come out on top.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Sprinter won his first 10 starts over fences in facile fashion, and looked one of the best 2m chasers seen for a long time when landing the 2013 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on the bridle by 19 lengths.

The nine-year-old went on to land Grade 1 contests at Aintree and Punchestown before suffering his first defeat over fences when pulled-up in this contest.

It was then a long road back for the horse dubbed the “Black Aeroplane”, and although below his brilliant best in three runs last season he ran a blinder first time up when chasing home subsequent Queen Mother winner Dodging Bullets in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

Sprinter Sacre has made sensational return to form

Many thought it was time for connections to retire Sprinter Sacre, but Henderson maintained the old sparkle remained and they decided to persevere.

Their commitment, and patience, was rewarded when Sprinter made a stunning return to action in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last month.

The son of Network looked a totally different specimen physically compared to last season, and after racing with plenty of zest stormed clear to win impressively by 14 lengths from Somersby.