2017 Betfair Chase Preview PT 1

We have some really solid National Hunt action about to heat up over the next few weeks as we closer and closer to the Christmas fixtures that seem to define the markets as Cheltenham draws closer. While virtually everybody is keeping their eyes firmly-fixed on the King George markets for Boxing Day, one of the big previews for a lot of the top contests this season is the Betfair Chase and we’re going to see that run this Saturday.

There is a lot to like about this year’s iteration of the contest and we have a relatively small field though it’s certainly not lacking in any form of actual talent. Expect some really interesting swings in the market as we get closer to the race itself and you can also expect a withdrawal or two as well since many boast other entries in other contests.

The market leader right now is Bristol De Mai, who can be backed with the bookmakers right now around an 11/8 market. He’s already been out twice already this season with a victory coming at Wetherby after his original first race of the season was called off due to unsuitable ground.

The victory was by a hefty three length margin and came against a few talented jumpers so you can expect that to set him up nicely for this contest. One has to wonder whether they will really push on as hard as they can knowing that there are a few more big races out there and they probably don’t want to tire him out this early in the season.

Expect the 11/8 price tag to hold right now and that looks pretty strong against seven runners or less.