GrandNational Betfair Bowl Chase Betting Tips

he feature of the first day of the Aintree Grand National meeting is the Betfair Bowl Chase. With the drying ground in his favour, the progressive State Of Play can reverse Gold Cup placings with Exotic Dancer and Turpin Green by landing this intriguing Grade 2 contest. Although there are only five runners, you couldn't rule any of the quartet of runners out Even My Will, who is the outside at a best-priced 14/1, is capable of going very close on the pick of his form. But State Of Play, who is available at 3/1 with bet365, is open to more improvement than his rivals. Evan Williams' stable star made giant strides through the novice ranks last term and it was at this meeting last year, in the betfair.com Handicap Chase, that the son of classy Flat performer Hernando proved that he was a potential top-level performer in this sphere. Indeed, the seven-year-old ran a field of battle-hardened handicappers into the ground in that competitive heat, which is run over the Betfair Bowl's course and distance. In two subsequent stars, the selection has landed the Hennessy and finished a creditable sixth in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. On the evidence of the Gold Cup, State Of Play has a bit to find with the second and third, Exotic Dancer and Turpin Green, but it should be remembered that he went into the Gold Cup following a four-month absence and I reckon he'll be a different proposition at this Merseyside venue, a track he clearly likes and with the good ground an ideal surface for him. Admittedly, he has appeared to go particularly well fresh in the past, having landed his two biggest pots following relatively lengthy absences. But State Of Play completed easy consecutive victories within the space of under six weeks last year so it may not be as important as some seem to think that he goes into key races fresh. In a race that is likely to be pretty tactical, State Of Play's versatility will stand him in good stead. i am confident he will win. Exotic Dancer has gone from strength to strength over fences this term and deserves to head the market for this 3m 1f event. However, Jonjo O'Neill's charge has had a pretty hard season, is a better horse on softer going and, with a strong pace far from certain to ensue, this race may not play to his strengths. Turpin Green is a rather frustrating sort. The Nicky Richards-trained gelding is undoubtedly a classy chaser, but he doesn't always put his best foot forward. That said, if on song he'll be a big threat to all. He ran well at this meeting last season when chasing home Star De Mohaison in the staying novices' chase, form which give shim strong claims. Our Vic is an enigma. On occasions he doesn't appear to stay this trip, while there are instances when two and a half miles seems to sharp, a case in point being the 2m 5f Ryanair Chase at the Festival when, after appearing to be treading water three out, David Pipe's chaser flew up the hill, failing by a rapidly diminishing neck to reel-in Taranis. The son of Our Vic was brushed aside by Exotic Dancer in the Letheby And Christopher Chase at Cheltenham on his penultimate start, but the heavy going may not have been ideal and, if he is on a going day, I can see him turning the tables with that rival this time. My Will is a consistent sort and, although he was well beaten in the Gold Cup, I wouldn't read too much into that; he's capable of a good deal better. I'd be surprised if he were to win, but I certainly don't think he'll run as odds of 14/1 suggest. Verdict - 2pts State Of Play @ 3/1 (bet365)