(2.5 minutes read)
The first Grade One stayer’s chase on the British mainland this season takes places on Saturday. Forming the first leg of the National Hunt Triple Crown, much anticipation surrounds the participation of the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Bristol De Mai who will attempt to equal the four times winning record of jump racing's enigma, Kauto Star.
However, he may need another career best as he is joined by the likes of Gold Cup 2nd A Plus Tard, Paul Nicholl’s improving stayer Next Destination and the ever-consistent 2018 Gold Cup hero, Native River.
We’ll assess the chances of these top chasers and point you towards the best bets from our partner firms.
BRISTOL DE MAI
This horse is simply a gold-plated revelation when it comes to Haydock. His only defeat in the race was to a career best performance from Lostintranslation (whose lofty reputation has been based on ever since) two years ago.
He’s not exactly bomb proof, but it is going to take something special to wrestle a fourth Betfair title from this popular and charismatic grey.
The 3/1 (bet365, William Hill, Betfred) could be considerable value.
A PLUS TARD
Henry De Bromhead’s Cheltenham Festival superstars have fired blanks so far this season with Minella Indo squarely beaten by Frodon at Down Royal’s Champion Chase whilst Put The Kettle On hardly turned up at his beloved Cheltenham in The Shloer Chase last weekend.
Nevertheless, if A Plus Tard is on song, then there is a lot to fear from this super consistent Gold Cup runner-up. 6/4 best with William Hill
NEXT DESTINATION
Plenty to like about this former Willie Mullins trained 9-year-old, now stabled at Paul Nicholls. He kept improving last season, winning two decent chases at Warwick and Newbury (beating Fiddlerontheroof in the process) before an outstanding second in the Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Chase at The Cheltenham Festival.
Stays all day and sure to give a good account of himself in this his toughest challenge to date. He’s sure to improve and looks decent value at 6/1 (bet365, William Hill, Betfred).
WAITING PATIENTLY
Now trained with Christian Williams, it’s difficult to guess which Waiting Patiently will turn up this Saturday. If it is the one which chased Frodon all the way to the line in last season’s King George, then there is plenty to fear from this talented but inconsistent chaser.
Not getting any younger, others are preferred. 7/1 best with William Hill.
IMPERIAL AURA
A line can be put through the Kim Bailey trained 9-year old’s disappointing run in The Ryanair Chase. If he turns up and runs to the form he showed in last season’s 1965 Chase and National Hunt Chase victories, he has a considerable squeak.
Solid jumper and the trip should not be a worry. 8/1 best with bet365, William Hill.
ROYALE PAGALLE
Progressed rapidly through the staying chase ranks in extraordinary fashion last season and clearly loves this track based on his outstanding Peter Marsh Chase win over course and distance last January.
This is a much tougher task however and really needs testing ground to be seriously considered. Each way claims with William Hill and Betfred at 8/1.
NATIVE RIVER
The accolades that this Colin Tizzard superhero of jump racing has earned over the years are emphatically deserved in what should be his last season.
However, he keeps that prize money ticking over which is clearly why the owners and all at Venn Farm keep turning him out, 3 years after his finest hour at The 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
His Cotswold Chase win last season proved that the machine is still in fine order, and he simply cannot be ignored at stupendous odds of 16/1(William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred, Boylesports).
Will need much more cut in the ground but he is certainly worth pouncing on for the place money as he simply does not know how to run a bad race.
VERDICT
A fascinating renewal of the triple crown 1st leg where the first 6 in the betting all have a case to be made.
However, the quality of Bristol De Mai over this course cannot be ignored and is our selection to beat A Plus Tard with some each way pennies hedging on Native River with the 16/1 available.
PREDICTION
1st Bristol De Mai
2nd A Plus Tard
3rd Native River
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (6:30pm 17th November 2021) and are subject to change.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
