THE Betfair Chase has become a respected Grade One 3m race since its inception seven years ago.
Kauto Star won it four times in five years and Saturday’s renewal sees one of his former stablemates trying to carry on where he left off. A French bred horse, like Kauto Star himself, Silviniaco Conti is undoubtedly a Grade One horse in the making. He is also a six-year-old, the same age his old pal was when he first won it.
I expect him to get the better of the Gold Cup winning Long Run as he has the benefit of a previous run. I hope Tidal Bay doesn’t run as he is the sort who could quite easily spoil the party depending what sort of mood he’s in. At 12/1 he’d be my main danger if he runs.
Over at Ascot I’m hoping Get Me Out Of Here turns up against Oscar Whiskey in the Coral Hurdle, again I believe the benefit of a run will help him turn the tables on his Cheltenham adversary and at 4/1 he looks appealing.
My banker of the day though would be Captain Chris if he turns up in the Amlin Chase on the same Ascot card, there’s no way Finian Rainbows will give this fellow 10lb if he’s anywhere near his best.
SELECTIONS
Saturday November 24
Haydock (Betfair Chase) – Silviniaco Conti
Ascot (Coral Hurdle) – Get Me Out Of Here
Ascot (Amlin Chase) – Captain Chris