It has become a trend in the last few seasons for trainers to attempt to exploit potentially lenient marks over hurdles with their established chasers. Halcon Generlardias, Star De Mohaisson, Taranis, Ashley Brook and Copsdale Lad were prime examples from last season. Already this season, the likes of Scots Grey and Irish Raptor have taken advantage of considerably lower ratings over hurdles so, if there’s one angle punters should build into their armoury for 2008, it’s to give serious consideration to classy chasers running off a lower mark over hurdles.

Of course, not all chasers can cope with the switchback to hurdles. The more stoutly bred types simply lack the natural speed to compete at a high level over hurdles, which is why we routinely see Grand National candidates turned over off considerably lower marks in their prep runs over hurdles, although they are admittedly also short of fitness. However, there are plenty of current chasers who would make interesting betting propositions if their trainers decided to pursue the hurdling route - and two of them are entered at Cheltenham on New Years Day.

David Pipe has entered Milan Deux Mille for the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle over 2m (due off 12.55pm), and he ought to take plenty of beating off a mark 31lb lower than his chase rating. This bumper winner showed significant improvement when switched to fences last season, rattling off a four-timer, but he also ran to a decent level over hurdles, most notably when finishing third  to two useful sorts at Stratford. If he runs up to that form he would have a chance, but factor in his subsequent improvement over fences and he looks thrown-in here.

Later on the card, Paul Nicholls has entered Star De Mohaisson in the Handicap Hurdle over 3m (due off 2.45pm). This one is a proven, high-class chaser who was completing a five-timer when beating The Listener at Sandown 13 months ago, but he remains unexposed over hurdles. The last time he ran over the smaller obstacles, he hacked up he hacked up by eight lengths over a slightly longer trip here and he’s more than capable of defying a 12lb higher rating in this, which is still 29lb lower than his chase mark.

Both are making their seasonal debuts, but you can rely on their respective trainers to have them fit enough to do themselves justice and they can get their seasons - and our punting new year - off to a winning start.

Recommended Bets:

Milan Deux Mille 2pt @ best morning-line price*
Star De Mohaison 2pt @ best morning-line price

*Both bet365 and Stan James offer a best odds guarantee on all races