Betfair Chase tips from Paddy Power pundits as Bristol De Mai eyes fourth win

Who's backing Bristol's bid to emulate Kauto Star?

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Can Bristol De Mai win the Betfair Chase for a fourth time? It’s the burning question facing our experts ahead of today’s big one at Haydock Park.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ popular grey came out on top in 2017, 2018 and 2020 but will face seven slick rivals when the runners and riders go to post at 15:00 in the Grade 1.

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The principal threat is Cheltenham Gold Cup second A Plus Tard, who heads Paddy Power’s betting market, as top trainer Henry de Bromhead attempts to land another of the UK’s biggest prizes. The likes of Next Destination, Royale Pagaille and Waiting Patiently add extra spice to the mix.

But who do our tipsters fancy? You’ll find their best bets and predictions below!

Frank Hickey: “A Plus Tard has tended to be vulnerable on his seasonal reappearance and some of Henry de Bromhead’s best horses have looked like they have needed their first start of the season. Bristol De Mai obviously is a legend around Haydock and to me is the one to beat but I’m taking a chance on NEXT DESTINATION with first time pieces applied. He’s 4-5 as a novice hurdler, including winning a Grade 1 over 3m at Punchestown, with his only defeat coming in the Ballymore when staying on third to Samcro and Black Op. He had two and a half years off the track and switched to Paul Nicholls. He won his first two starts over fences last season, including a Grade 2 at Newbury on good ground. He was second in the National Hunt Chase to Galvin but think the fact that the race developed into a bit of a spring played to Galvin’s strengths. Galvin has franked that form when pushing Frodon all the way in the Champion Chase at Down Royal this season.”

Matt Chapman: “There are horses in here much easier to pick than ROYALE PAGAILLE, but I’ll still back him each-way for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. The Gold Cup sixth was never going that well at Cheltenham and finished lame.

“Prior to that he had looked a monster in two wins at this track and he might still have more to offer. He jumps well and is a sound stayer. The main issue is the ground – he might want much more juice than there is currently. However, we have no evidence yet that is the case.”

Mick Fitzgerald: “A Plus Tard is the highest-rated runner in the field having won the Grade One Savills Chase at Leopardstown last Christmas over three miles and then finishing runner up to Minella Indo in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The problem is he has been beaten first-time up for the last three seasons, that is a worry when taking a short price ahead of his seasonal debut.

“Waiting Patiently has a very good record when coming back after a break and was placed in a King George Chase at Kempton after nearly a year off, when trained by for Ruth Jefferson. He will be ready for this and has to be a player on his debut run for former jockey-turned-trainer Christian Williams.

“The ground at Haydock doesn’t seem soft enough for Royal Pagaille or last season’s Caspian Caviar Gold Cup winner, Chatham Street Lad (who beat last week’s Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Midnight Shadow by 15 lengths that day.)

“That brings me to the galloping grey, BRISTOL DE MAI, who is already a three-time winner of this race and could even be going for his fifth victory in this Grade One race, but he was beaten by Lostintranslation in 2019. He’s such a course specialist and is ready to rock at this time of year.”

Paddy Power: “Bristol De Mai will be ready to rock but a few of the others mightn’t be fully wound up. IMPERIAL AURA goes well fresh and has had a wind op so I feel he’s well worth taking a chance on.”

Timeform: “A PLUS TARD holds a clear edge on form and is fancied to become the first Irish-trained victor of this Grade 1 and thwart Bristol de Mai’s bid for a record-equalling fourth success. Nigel Twiston-Davies has his string in great nick though, so his course specialist seems sure to push Henry de Bromhead’s Gold Cup runner-up close. Next Destination and Imperial Aura look the pick of the rest.”

BETFAIR CHASE 2021 TIPS SUMMARY

Frank Hickey – Next Destination (E/W)
Matt Chapman –
Royale Pagaille (E/W)
Mick Fitzgerald – Bristol De Mai
Paddy Power – Imperial Aura
Timeform – A Plus Tard

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