2021 Betfair Chase at Haydock: the runners, the odds, the verdict

The first Grade 1 of the jumps season in Britain, the Betfair Chase (3.00 Haydock, Saturday) often serves up a memorable race. Kauto Star, Cue Card and Silviniaco Conti have all starred here, and Bristol De Mai bids to match Kauto Star's record of four wins in the race this year. But will he succeed?

3.00 Haydock Saturday: Betfair Chase racecard and betting

1 A Plus Tard

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Odds: 6-4 favourite

Runner-up in the Gold Cup in March and he's the one to beat if reproducing that form

2 Bristol De Mai

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Daryl Jacob
Odds: 7-2

Has won three of the last four runnings of this race and has strong claims once more

3 Chatham Street Lad

Trainer: Mick Winters
Jockey: Sean Quinlan
Odds: 33-1

Highly progressive last season; may have more to offer but plenty to find in this line-up

4 Clondaw Castle

Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Johnathan Burke
Odds: 33-1

Won 3m handicap at Kempton in February off lofty mark but soundly beaten the next twice

5 Imperial Aura

Trainer: Kim Bailey
Jockey: David Bass
Odds: 9-1

Last season didn't end well but was very promising previously; returns having had wind op

6 Next Destination (NR)

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Odds: x

7 Royale Pagaille

Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Odds: 8-1

May prefer deeper ground but is not ruled out having bolted up in the Peter Marsh over course and distance

8 Waiting Patiently

Trainer: Christian Williams
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Odds: 6-1

Pulled up when last seen but goes well fresh and in the picture judged on King George second

The verdict

Gold Cup runner-up A Plus Tard has strong claims but this race has always brought out the best in Bristol De Mai, who is preferred.

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