Daryl Jacob to ride Bravemansgame in the Betfair Chase as Paul Nicholls confirms plans to run at Haydock

Bravemansgame will be partnered by Daryl Jacob for the first time after Paul Nicholls said his stable star could line up as one of six runners in Saturday's Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock.

The eight-year-old was denied by Gentlemansgame on his seasonal debut in the Charlie Hall Chase but will return to action just three weeks later under Jacob, who has won the race three times on Bristol De Mai, with regular rider Harry Cobden booked to ride at Ascot.

He could face up to five rivals following Monday's confirmation stage, including six-time Grade 1 scorer Shishkin and last year's winner Protektorat. However, no Irish runners were confirmed for the £200,000 contest.

Speaking to Betfair on Monday morning, Nicholls said: "An update for everybody. He [Bravemansgame] schooled this morning nicely. Daryl Jacob rode him, and he runs on Saturday.

"Daryl has got all the experience in the world. He rides out a little bit here, so he got on great with him. We've confirmed him this morning, and we're just going to monitor the ground during the week. If it was heavy, he definitely won't run, but I'm encouraged by the weather forecast. It looks like it's drying up."

The race will mark Bravemansgame's second appearance at the track following a win on the Betfair Chase undercard in 2021, and he was soon promoted to 6-4 joint-favourite alongside Protektorat by the race's sponsors.

Grand National hero Corach Rambler also features in the all-British affair marking his first start in top-level company, while Old Roan runner-up Minella Drama and Peter Marsh winner Royale Pagaille complete the provisional field.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "Bravemansgame and Protektorat are inseparable at the top of the market, but Shishkin is a fascinating addition. While his trainer is on weather watch, hopefully all six stand their ground and we have a excellent renewal of the great race."

Minella Drama: one of two runners with entries for both the Betfair Chase and the 1965 ChaseCredit: John Grossick

Conditions are currently heavy, soft in places on the chase course at Haydock but no significant rainfall is expected to arrive over the next five days according to clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright.

"We've got some light drizzle at the moment but the week is largely a dry one with no meaningful rain," Tellweight said on Monday morning. "It'll get colder towards the weekend but not to any worrying degree.

"The hurdles course is soft, heavy in places and it's the other way round on the chase course, but the dry weather might improve the ground a bit from that."

The call-up on Bravemansgame means that Jacob, who has ridden for the champion trainer just eight times over the past five years, will miss his regular ride on multiple Graded winner Sceau Royal after he was one of nine entered in Saturday's Grade 2 Coral Hurdle (2.05) at Ascot by Alan King.

Last year's winner Goshen was also entered alongside Blueking D'Oroux, who is one of several rides for Cobden at Ascot on Saturday.

Nicholls' leading jockey will also partner Pic D'Orhy in the 1965 Chase (1.30), which has attracted six entries including Betfair Chase contenders Shishkin and Minella Drama. Dashel Drasher, Straw Fan Jack and Thunder Rock could also contend the Grade 2 race.

Betfair Chase confirmations

Bravemansgame
Corach Rambler
Minella Drama
Protektorat
Royale Pagaille
Shishkin

Betfair Chase (3.00 Haydock, Saturday)

Betfair: Evens Bravemansgame, 11-8 Protektorat, 5 Shishkin, 6 Royale Pagaille, 8 Corach Rambler, 50 Minella Drama

Read more:

Harry Cobden: I'm disappointed not to ride Bravemansgame but Paul knows what he's doing 

Dan Skelton warns star-studded Betfair Chase rivals Protektorat will 'be at his best' for Haydock defence 

Derek Fox retains belief Grand National winner Corach Rambler deserves his Grade 1 chance at Haydock 

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