Betfair Chase

Haydock - Saturday 22nd November 2014

Establish as recently as 2005, the Betfair chase is the first leg of distance chasings unofficial triple crown (the King George and The Gold Cup being the two others).

The betting for this years race is dominated by the first 3 home from last year: Cue Card, Dynaste and Silviniaco Conti.

That seems fair enough, as all 3 are top class chasers who seem well suited to 3 miles 1 furlong round the flat Lancashire track.

All 3 are 8 year olds, with similar levels of racing experience, so it’s reasonable to begin with the assumption that last years form will be upheld this time round – and then look for reasons to contradict that…

12 months ago, Cue Card arrived on the back of a place run in the Halden Gold cup – this year, it will be exactly the same.

Dynaste was making his seasonal debut in this race last year – and that will again be the case, this time round.

Silviniaco Conti was also making his seasonal debut - however, this time he will have the benefit of a (disappointing) run in Wetherbys Charlie Hall chase.

So whilst Silviniaco should be fitter – he has also got a bit to prove.

He has also got 6 lengths to make up on Cue Card, from 12 months ago…

Ofcourse, he managed to make up that ground – and a bit more – on his second run last season, when he outstayed Cue Card to win the King George.

He also got the better of Dynaste when the two met at Aintree in the spring…

Of the 3, my preference is for Cue Card.
He should be much fitter for his run at Exeter - and as he showed last season, this sharp course, with it’s soft fences, is ideal for him…

I do rate Silviniaco a big danger – but feel that one of his main assets (his jumping) will never be worth as much to him at Haydock as it will be at other courses (such as Kempton).

There is a significant gap in the betting, between the ‘big 3 ‘ and the remainder of the field…

Jonjo O’Neill is likely to be represented by one – or both – of the second season novices, Taquin Du Seuil and Holywell.

Of the 2, I prefer Taquin – but as he showed at Wetherby, he’s still got a bit of improving to do before he can mix it with the very best.

As a 7 year old, he has scope for improvement – but I’m not convinced that he will be quite up to the job, just yet…

The Hadock track doesn’t seem to offer enough of a stamina test for former Gold Cup hero, Bobsworth; whilst the likelihood of soft/heavy ground, is likely to scupper whatever chance Menorah might have…

Two that I would give a chance if the ground comes up heavy, are the Gordon Elliot trained Don Cossack – and the Kim Bailey trained Harry Topper…

As a second season novice, Don Cossak still has a bit to prove - but I’m a big fan of his and it wouldn’t surprise me if he were to make it to the very top.

That said, he is currently just 12/1 for the race, which is a bit skinny against proven championship rivals (particularly as he himself, is unproven over the trip).

Harry Topper is a different kettle of fish.

Hugely talented – he is proven over the trip, but can be a ponderous jumper. Heavy ground and Haydocks soft fences, could be the ideal combination for him.

His trouncing of Al Ferof at Newbury last February, showed what he is capable of and I think that if there is to be a shock outcome, he is most likely to provide it.

I suspect this will be one of the more straightforward races that I preview this season.

I find the case for Cue Card to uphold last seasons form, quite compelling.
Heavy ground might be his achilles heal – but Harry Topper looks the perfect saver, in case of that scenario...

0.75pt win Cue Card 9/2 (Stan James, Corals)

0.25pt win Harry Topper 25/1 (B365,William Hills)