The eight runners have stood their ground for the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday and it promises to be a cracker. There has been virtually no change in the market other than for Bobs Worth to ease out to a top price of 11-4.
Earlier in the week I recommended Silviniaco Conti and Dynaste against the favourite. All three are having their first outing of the new season so it is difficult to be too confident. The Gold Cup market is certainly in for a shake up on Saturday night.
Lie Forrit’s price in the Fixed Brush Hurdle has tumbled from 14-1 to 9-1 and I’m hopeful of a good run. It’s a tricky race with Gullinbursti reverting to hurdles after winning by 27 lengths over fences and a number of other fancied runners.
Far West was beaten by Melodic Rendezvous on his comeback race a couple of weeks ago but should strip fitter at Haydock tomorrow. He holds Rolling Star on their previous clash in the Triumph Hurdle and should give Nick Scholfield another high-profile winner in his new roles as stable number 2 jockey to Paul Nicholls.
Home Run was a 40-1 shot when triggering a four-timer for David Pipe last Sunday and turns out again quickly off bottom weight. Kieron Edgar again claims 7lbs off his back and he looks weighted to go close in a competitive race.
Ascot’s card has cut up badly and there are only seven runners in total for the two feature races. Whether this is the timing of the meeting I am not sure but I would have thought the sponsors will be less than pleased.
With betting opportunities somewhat limited, I’m going to keep faith with another Nicholls runner in Zarkandar for the Coral Hurdle. Annie Power is coming over from Ireland with a huge reputation but she’s never met anything of Zarkandar’s class and 7-4 looks too good to refuse.
Far West 12.45 Haydock 5-4 Bet365
Home Run 1.50 Haydock 6-1 BetVictor
Lie Forrit 2.25 Haydock *14-1 Ante-post
Silviniaco Conti 3.00 Haydock *5-2 Ante-post
Dynaste 3.00 Haydock *7-1 Ante-post
Zarkandar 2.40 Ascot 7-4 Coral
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
