Betfair Chase: Star Appeal

The score between Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer stands at 7-0 in Kauto's favour, but will be it be a case of eighth time lucky for Jonjo O'Neil's gelding in Haydock's Betfair Chase on Saturday?

Bookmakers don't think so as they have installed Paul Nicholls' former Gold Cup winner as the 2/5 favourite (Coral, Stan James, bet365) with Exotic Dancer at around the 3/1 mark. Blue Square are even more convinced that Kauto Star will go to 8-0, chalking him up at 1/3 with Exotic a standout 7/2, which is almost tempting.

Almost I say, as anyone who saw Kauto Star win at Down Royal recently wouldn't even entertain thoughts of backing against him. If you missed it, take my word that he jumped from fence to fence, travelled sweetly throughout and won with all his old panache, totally dispelling any thoughts that he might have lost his zest for racing after first losing his Gold Cup crown and then getting touched off at Aintree. Those defeats might have dispelled the air of invincibility he once had, but the message is clear. The champ is back and he can win this Grade 1 chase for the third time in a row.

Of course, connections of Exotic Dancer must think they have a chance of winning or why else would they run? You may remember, there was only half a length between them 12 months ago, and their horse heads to Haydock after an excellent second in the Old Roan Chase over a trip (2m4f) short of his best and on his seasonal bow. He should be spot on here, so there are plenty of postives, but I still can't get myself to back him at 7/2. I might be tempted at 9/2, but in all reality I'll probably sit back and enjoy the spectacle. I just hope the weather doesn't spoil things.

Still itching to have a bet? I see Boylesports have opened a book on the race without the two main protaginists. Cloudy Lane and Tamarinbleu are 15/8 'favourites' with Ollie Magern at 9/4. Snoopy Loopy is the outsider of four at 4/1, with Gungadu a doubtful runner at the time of writing. Tamarinbleu is classy, but there is a cloud over his stable, so Cloudy Lane, a 33/1 shot for the Grand National with Coral, is the token choice in this market.

Looking further ahead to the King George, and you have to ask yourself the question: would you want to be on anything other than Kauto Star? I didn't think so. I can't see his price contracting too much after Saturday's race - he is long odds-on to win it after all - but I can't imagine he'll be any bigger than the current 4/5 on Boxing Day either, so have on as much as you can afford now.

Recommended Bet:

Betfair Chase - no bet
King George - Kauto Star 5pts @ 4/5 (bet365, Stan James, Paddy Power) or 1.84 Betfair

 

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Tags: Betfair Chase,  Cloudy Lane,  Exotic Dancer,  Grand National,  Haydock Racing,  Haydock Tips,  Jonjo O’Neil,  Kauto Star,  King George,  Paul Nicholls,  Tamarinbleu