2016 Betfair Chase Betting Preview PT 1

You know that the National Hunt season is well and truly back in action when the Betfair Chase rolls around and this Grade 1 contest at Haydock Park always signifies that the best is truly yet to come as the season kicks off in a big way.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR DEPOSIT BONUS WITH BET365!

Examining the ante post market right now, you'll notice that superstar Cue Card is already headlining the wagering and you can expect him to pick up steam as we get closer to the race.

Right now, you'll find the Colin Tizzard-trained contender hovering around a price of 6/4 with most major bookmakers as he looks to build on his victory in the race last year and his solid showing for the season – ultimately capturing the King George, the Betfair Bowl and the Punchestown Gold Cup. The only genuine blemish on his record was his falling effort in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when he went down three out after duelling with Don Cossack at a crucial point in the race.

It will have disappointed punters on the day but that didn't shake their resolve in him as he was sent off as the favourite in his two subsequent races to cap off the festival season.

Cue Card has actually been out already once this year, having put in a disappointing third place finish in the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Irish Cavalier was the winner on the day, despite Cue Card being sent off at a slim price of about 8/11. He was able to join the leaders about four out but failed to keep pace with them during the run-in with Paddy Brennan opting not to push him since there are obviously bigger targets for the ten-year-old son of King's Theatre.