Bravemansgame is set to face just three rivals in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
Just three weeks after a late blunder proved costly on seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase, the King George champ is back on the track in preparation for the defence of his Kempton crown.
Daryl Jacob is booked to ride as regular partner Harry Cobden is at Ascot and Bravemansgame’s principal rival in the first Grade 1 of the British season is last year’s winner Protektorat.
Corach Rambler attempts to prove his credentials at the highest level, although the Grand National winner failed to fire in last month’s Edinburgh Gin Chase.
Royale Pagaille chased home Bravemansgame and completes the field for Saturday’s 15:00 at Haydock.
The latest Betfair Chase odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Betfair Chase verdict
Timeform: BRAVEMANSGAME proved himself to be a top-class chaser when winning the King George VI at Kempton last season and should prove hard to beat after a decent reappearance in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby 3 weeks ago. Last year’s winner Protektorat is the obvious threat.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Betfair Chase runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Betfair Chase 2023.
Bravemansgame
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Daryl Jacob Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class chaser who won Charlie Hall at Wetherby and King George VI at Kempton last season. Also excellent second in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Unable to land the odds in this year’s renewal of the Charlie Hall on return 3 weeks ago but it was still a decent effort. Excellent chance.
*****
Corach Rambler
Trainer: Lucinda Russell Jockey: Derek Fox Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Notched second successive win in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival in March before a fine performance to land the Grand National at Aintree the following month. Looked very much in need of the run at Kelso on reappearance and better expected now, though does need to step forward again.
***
Protektorat
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Recorded a second Grade 1 success of his career in this race on his return last season. Not quite at that level in Cotswold and Cheltenham Gold Cup both starts since, but big run expected now as he bids to defend his crown.
****
Royale Pagaille
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Very smart chaser whose 2 best performances came when winning the Peter Marsh here. Creditable 14 lengths second to Bravemansgame in King George on his reappearance last season before respectable sixth in Cheltenham Gold Cup. Let down by jumping in Irish National final start. Ideally wants the mud.
***
Saturday’s Racing Tips
- Matt Chapman’s horse racing tips for Saturday’s ITV action
- Rory Delargy’s horse racing tips on Saturday
- Mick Fitzgerald’s ITV Racing tips for Saturday
- Frank Hickey’s Saturday ITV Racing tips for Ascot and Haydock
- Timeform’s betting tips for Punchestown on Saturday
- Jason Weaver’s horse racing tips for Lingfield and Wolverhampton
Read More
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest horse racing tips
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- Horse Racing calendar: Key Jumps races and fixtures including Cheltenham Festival 2024
- When is the Grand National 2024? Aintree date, start time, runners and betting
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