Weekend racing preview and tips – Betfair Chase the highlight at Haydock Park

The first Grade One chase of the jumps season in Britain takes centre stage this weekend the £160,000 Betfair Chase (3.00pm) at Haydock.
Haydock Racecourse. Photo: David Davies - Pool/Getty ImagesHaydock Racecourse. Photo: David Davies - Pool/Getty Images
Haydock Racecourse. Photo: David Davies - Pool/Getty Images

Won by the likes of Cue Card, Kauto Star and Imperial Commander in recent years, a small but select field of five go to post for this year’s contest.

The favourite for the contest is the Colin Tizzard-trained Lostintranslation. He captured the 2019 renewal and finished a fine third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last start in March. Sherborne handler Tizzard is relishing his return to action following a sparkling piece of work during a racecourse gallop recently.

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Amongst his four rivals are Bristol De Mai who is a two-time winner of the Betfair Chase. Successful in 2017 and 2018, he chased home Lostintranslation in a titanic tussle and will relish the testing ground conditions at the track.

Clan Des Obeaux is a dual winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, but disappointed on his latest start in the Gold Cup. His Ditcheat handler Paul Nicholls, who is currently operating at a 34% strike-rate, has been bullish in the build-up to this race about his chances. The eight-year-old boasts winning form at the track and given the form of the yard at present, he is the selection of BettingExpert’s Stephen Harris.

The contest also features former Irish Gold Cup winner Bellshill. The 10-year-old is set to have his first start for new trainer Sandy Thomson and pleased his new handler in a racecourse gallop at Carlisle recently.

Keeper Hill is a former course winner, but needs a career best to land this Grade One prize having finished fourth on his return to action in the Charlie Hall Chase.

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Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, the £80,000 Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (2.25pm) boasts an illustrious roll of honour which includes Stayers’ Hurdle hero Paisley Park. Imperial Alcazar progressed with every start last term and looks unexposed off a handicap mark of 140 for this assignment. Irish raider Relegate is well-handicapped on the best of her form and is another to note along with The Jam Man who landed the Troytown Chase last time out and reverts back to hurdles for this assignment.

At a bigger price, Stephen Harris likes the look of Third Wind for Hughie Morrison. He shaped with promise when fifth on his reappearance at Newbury in November and was a fine fourth in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He remains lightly-raced and looks an interesting each-way player.

Stephen Harris’ Selections for Haydock Park on Saturday

12.10pm - Do Your Job

12.40pm - Newtide

1.15pm - Flash the Steel

1.50pm - Good Boy Bobby

2.25pm - Third Wind

3.00pm - Clan des Obeaux

3.35pm - Financial Outcome

Tips and analysis via Betting Expert

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