RSA Chase Looks All About Time For Rupert

It’s definitely tough to bet against Time For Rupert in this one and I reckon he might very well live up to the hype. So far, he is undefeated over fences and has put in some extremely credible shifts over hurdles in recent years as well. His biggest statement over the short obstacles came last year when he finished second to the legendary Big Buck’s and also put in a second-place finish to the respected Tidal Bay.

His last five races have all comes at Cheltenham with the last two being run over the chase circuit – both of which were victories. The punters were expected to bet him down heavily in this one but the 9/4 price he carried in the ante post market has risen slightly to an 11/4 price tag. If he holds around there he is a relatively sharp bet.

There are definitely a few here who can give him a run for his money on their day and it’s an interesting decision whether you want to back them on the win-only, each-way or opt to key him up on the top of a forecast ticket.

9/1 Wayward Prince gets Tony McCoy for this one and he boasts a grade 2 score on the novice chase circuit in his last effort. His past runs have indicated that he could be a factor with a clean trip and McCoy is a good shout to give him that quality ride.

Quel Esprit might interest some at 20/1 but he has been inconsistent in the past and would need to run a supremely confident race to get anything resembling a result.

Master Of The Hall looks interesting and he’s well-priced at 16/1. He captured a Grade 2 novices chase at Ascot less than a month ago and has forged a good partnership with Barry Geraghty. He is 3 from his last 4 and the loss came over fences to the respected Hell’s Bay.

Mikael D’Haguenet is taking money on the Ruby/Willy angle but the simple fact remains that he hasn’t won since May of 2009 and has never scored in a chase before.