Pattern Race Focus: Betfair Chase Weekend

/ Rory Delargy / 20 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Rory Delargy looks forward to the weekend's top NH action which includes the Betfair Chase at Haydock. It's over at Ascot where he may have unearthed the day's value bet, however....

Saturday:

The Coral Ascot Hurdle at 14:35 pitches Triumph Hurdle winner Zaynar against his elders on his first try over an extended trip. The step up has looked likely to suit him for some time and he'll also get a strong pace courtesy of Lough Derg. Zaynar deserves to head the market, but it may be that David Pipe's runner provides the value angle; a price of around 34.0 on Betfair last night clearly underplays his chance and he seems sure to come forward significantly for his reappearance. Back Lough Derg win and place if getting 20/1 or better.

Ascot's other Grade 2 is the Amlin 1965 Chase at 15:10, where Voy Por Ustedes and Monet's Garden head the weights. I was originally looking for something to beat this popular (and likely overbet) pair, but I'm not convinced that Schindler's Hunt is quite at his best and Alberta's Run needs further.

Over at Haydock, all eyes will be on Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at 14:55, and it's hard to find a profitable angle into the race other than backing the favourite at a current price of around 5/4. He is unlikely to go the way of Masterminded last week and has drifted to a tempting price.

At 13:15, the Tune in to Timeform Radio Hurdle is a fascinating clash between Mr Thriller and Starluck, with the latter preferred simply on the basis of trip. Both look horses to follow having impressed on their respective comebacks. The Timeform Betfair Racing Club Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle sees Diamond Harry attempt to kick start his season under top weight but he doesn't represent obvious value at 7/2 though and I'd prefer to side with Burton Port, who will have the assistance of Ruby Walsh. These obstacles suit horses with chasing experience and the selection impressed over fences last time. A Betfair price of 8.6 is more than fair.

Sunday:

The Becher Chase at Aintree (13:45) has cut up quite badly, but Nigel Twiston Davies looks to have the nap hand, represented by both Hello Bud and Irish Raptor. The latter has completed six time in as many starts over these fearsome fences, but it's Hello Bud who appeals as a more likely Grand National winner and he can take this if fully recovered from his Cheltenham exertions last Saturday.