This weekend sees The Betfair Chase take centre stage at Haydock Park. The race was first run in 2005 and has ever since been a big hit on the racing calendar. This year however we are perhaps left slightly underwhelmed by lack of numbers set to take part. Only five are set to start and it does seem as though the 1 million bonus on offer this year hasn’t quite had the desired effect. Nevertheless there is still a lot of class on offer and we take a look at the riders and runners below:
Silviniaco Conti (rated – 172) current best odds – 10/11 (Betfair)
It is only right that we start with the best horse in this field Silvinaco Conti. Silviniaco Conti won this race last year with the likes of Dynaste well behind. He comes here today off a 2lb lower mark and the race really looks somewhat of a formality. He is the class horse and at the weights he should be winning this race however at odds close to evens he is no price and for me there is no value to be had. As a result I will be leaving Silviniaco Conti alone in this race.
Cue Card (rated – 167) current best odds – 11/4 (Coral)
Cue Card seemed to have benefitted for a breathing operation last time out when he ran out a nice winner of the Charlie Hall Chase. He had both Dynaste and Ballynagour in behind that day and didn’t look to be stopping however he has to shoulder 7lb extra here today and that may be enough for the tables to be turned with the two Pipe horses.
Dynaste (rated – 165) current best odds – 8-1 (William Hill)
Dynaste is a loveable grey that gives his all no matter what. He has run with credit in this race before and although a bit below par on his reappearance run over in France he showed he retained all of his ability when beaten just 3l in the Charlie Hall Chase by Cue Card. He has a nice 7lb pull at the weights with that rival here today and that should mean he turns the tables. Another added bonus is the presence of Tom Scudamore who is back on board after his injury.
Ballynagour – (rated – 163) current best odds – 10-1 (SkyBet)
I was impressed by Ballynagour in the Charlie Hall Chase. He travelled like a dream and came with a strong challenge towards the finish. He only finished 1/2l down on stablemate Dynaste that day and Dynaste had the benefit of a reappearance run. Tom Scudamore has openly admitted that there isn’t much between the two Pipe horses and to me Ballynagour looked to be in the better form. At the prices he looks a good each way selection and for me represents the value in this race.
Holywell – (rated – 162) current best odds – 20-1 (Bet365)
Holywell is way overpriced at 20-1, that’s for certain. We are talking about a horse here who was just narrowly denied by Silviniaco Conti just 2 starts back. He didn’t show much in the Charlie Hall Chase when beaten out of sight however the trainer has openly admitted he needed that run and is in good form. We can expect this horse to come on a lot for that run however will he come on enough to be a factor in this is yet to be seen.
What we bet: For me Ballynagour is a great price at 10-1 and really underestimates him here, he is a top horse in good form and should come on for his reappearance run in the Charlie Hall Chase.
Good Luck
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