THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - BETFAIR CHASE

The Betfair Chase takes centre stage at Haydock Park on the 22nd of November and John Arnold takes us through the history, prestige and likely contenders of this magnificent race. History:

The Betfair Chase, inaugurated in 2005, is run over a distance of 3 miles attracting some of the best steeplechasers in the sport, but also for its role as a key preparatory event for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Over the years, the Betfair Chase has seen some remarkable equine talents grace its hallowed turf. Legendary horses such as Kauto Star and Silviniaco Conti have etched their names into the race’s history by securing multiple victories, highlighting the chase's status as a benchmark for evaluating jumpers. With its challenging course and often unpredictable weather conditions, the Betfair Chase has developed a reputation for thrilling finishes and dramatic contests, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts. Its growing legacy continues to attract significant attention, reinforcing its place as one of the standout races in the National Hunt calendar.

Trends:

Age- Race is for 5yo and over. 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 9.

Price- 4 of last 12 winners were fav/joint favourites, 11/12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting.

Last Run- 3 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before the race, 6/12 winners last run within 21 days. 

4/12 ran in the Charlie Hall Chase (Wetherby) on their last run, 2 of the 4 won, 0 placed

Course Form- 8/12 winners had 2 previous runs at Haydock, 7/12 winners had at least 1 previous win at the course.

Distance Form- 11/12 winners had at least 2 runs over 23-25 furlongs.

Rating- 9/12 winners were rated 164 or higher.

Contenders:

GREY DAWNING was not able to win a Grade 1 in his first season in open company, but he is the red-hot favourite to avenge his defeat in this 12 months ago.

The Dan Skelton-trained eight-year-old went down on his sword when a two-length runner-up behind track specialist ROYALE PAGAILLE in bottomless conditions, before a shuddering error at the first saw him pulled up in the King George VI Chase.

He got back on track with a Listed win at Kelso and after missing the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season, he signed off with a runner-up effort in the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree's Grand National meeting. 

ROYALE PAGAILLE the two-time Betfair Chase king could join the chasing greats with a hat-trick in the race.

Only Kauto Star, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai have won the race three times or more and the Venetia Williams-trained 11-year-old thrives at Haydock, with five wins there from eight starts. He was a six-and-a-half length winner of this two years ago, before he fought off Grey Dawning last year.

The up-and-coming chasers could be headed by the Ben Pauling-trained HANDSTANDS. Winner of the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase last season, he made his comeback with an odds-on defeat when second in the Colin Parker at Carlisle.

Irish raider SPILLANES TOWER is a two-time Grade 1 winner and he was second in an epic running of the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown last year. He was a late non-runner from his intended comeback in Down Royal's Champion Chase last Saturday and if making the trip over will look to make a bold bid.

Selections:

GREY DAWNING (WIN)

HANDSTANDS (E/W)

written by John Arnold