Christian Williams eager to take on Betfair Chase stars with Waiting Patiently

Christian Williams is relishing the chance to take on Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up A Plus Tard as he seeks a Grade 1 breakthrough in the Betfair Chase on Saturday.

He is keen to take the biggest scalp of his short training career when he runs his new recruit Waiting Patiently at Haydock in a field that also includes three-time winner Bristol De Mai.

Williams, who rode Royal Auclair to finish fifth in the first Betfair Chase in 2005, has done well with smart handicappers since taking out a licence in 2017, notably Welsh Grand National and Midlands National winner Potters Corner.

However, his sights have been raised after being sent King George VI Chase runner-up Waiting Patiently by owner Richard Collins this summer, and he said: "We're looking forward to it."

Asked about facing A Plus Tard, he said: "We're an ambitious team and we'd rather those type of horses were in the race than not in it. We want to take on the best, we don't want it to be a two or three-runner, poor Betfair Chase. We want it to be a good race, good for the public and we want to win a good Betfair Chase.

"We look forward to taking the big yards on, that's what sport is all about. We try and run our horses regularly and take the big yards on, it's great to have a runner in the Saturday races, it's a great profile for the yard. We want to test ourselves in the big weekends."

Christian Williams: 'We're looking forward to it'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Williams, who won with Strictlyadancer at Cheltenham on Paddy Power Gold Cup day, is happy with Waiting Patiently's condition ahead of Saturday's £200,000 race.

"Everything is going nicely and that gives us a bit of confidence," he said. "We've a spring in our step, the horses are in good form and we're having a good run so we're looking forward to the weekend.

"He's a good work horse and he works to his rating so we're happy. We'll find out at the weekend but he seems in good form. We've had a great run with him and couldn't be happier."

Waiting Patiently has never won over further than 2m5f, but Williams has no worries over his stamina, and said: "The place we work most of our horses, if he was a non-stayer he wouldn't work the way he works at home.

"He ran very well in the King George, staying on over three miles. I wouldn't have thought that's a worry. It's a flat track and he's got form round there."

Williams also played down fears over the unseasonable ground, which was described officially as good to soft on the chase course on Wednesday.

"He's a very classy horse and I just pray we're able to run him," he said. "If the ground stays as it is and doesn't get any quicker I'd have thought the owner would let us take our chance.

"As long as it is good to soft, safe ground that will be fine and the owner, who knows the horse very well, will be happy to run. It may even help him over the trip."

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright does not expect conditions to get any quicker, and said: "We had 3mm of rain last night which was perfect to help us stay where we are. Some people probably want it a bit easier, but I've got no concerns about the ground. I don't think it will be very different on Saturday from what it is now."

Betfair Chase card and betting

Read more:

Cloth Cap 'doing everything sweetly at home' before Ladbrokes Trophy defence

Bear Ghylls out until the new year but trainer knows 'he's very, very talented'

Secret Reprieve Welsh National defence in the balance as Williams prays for rain

Henderson eyeing big time again with former champion Epatante after back surgery

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.