Adam Williams presents his prediction for the 3m Betfair Esher Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (4yo+).
Salver finished third on his chasing debut in mid-November at Exeter, missing second place by only a small margin. He came close to winning the Select Hurdle (Grade 2) here at the end of last season, beaten just a head, so he knows the track well — though this trip might be a bit too far for him.
Laurens Bay made his first appearance over fences in October, comfortably beating his sole rival in a three-mile Beginners’ Chase. He has already won at Sandown, taking the Handicap Hurdle Final in March, his final run of last season. He is capable of offering strong opposition.
One Big Bang was runner-up in a Listed Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on 14 November. The distance is familiar for him and he has won over it at Haydock, but in this field he looks no more than a place contender.
Doyen Quest and Quebecois, representing Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls respectively, are the leading threats. Their previous meeting in a Novices’ Chase at Exeter ended with Doyen Quest winning by 10 lengths over the favourite Quebecois. This time Doyen Quest goes off as the favourite again. We are hopeful the extra three pounds will not hinder him, and he is our selection for the win.
