Peter Marsh Chase Betting Preview

The ability to act on heavy going will play a crucial role in Saturday's Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock (2.10) and the versatile TAKE THE STAND looks the most solid option in what promises to be an intriguing race.The Peter Bowen-trained nine-year-old has not had lady luck on his side of late. He was travelling well when slipping on landing five out in the Tommy Whittle Chase over the Peter Marsh course and distance on his penultimate start before falling four out when going equally well in the Welsh National at Chepstow last time.Admittedly the fact that he has failed to complete the last twice is slightly disconcerting; but his overall record over fences, in terms of runs-to-completions, is not bad at all and it is unlikely that Take A Stand's confidence will have suffered.As a result of this spate of hard luck, Take A Stand has dropped 6lb in the ratings, putting him on a mark just 5lb higher than when recording a bloodless 20-length victory in a well-contested handicap chase on soft ground at Newton Abbot in August.While Take A Stand's entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup may be a case of tilting at windmills, his astute handler knows the time of day and the vibes emanating from the stable suggest that confidence is high.If Therealbandit were to put his best foot forward he would be a danger to all. He was way below his best when well beaten in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day and is better judged on his previous start at Cheltenham, where he beat a high quality field headed by Royal Auclair. However, he is now 8lb higher in the ratings and all his best form is on good ground, so the percentage call is to oppose the David Johnson-owned gelding.A bigger threat may be posed by Truckers Tavern, winner of this race in 2003, who gave 16lb and a three parts of-a-length beating to Malek in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby last time. Off a 5lb higher mark, the 2003 Gold Cup runner-up still looks feasibly treated and should go well.The disappointment of that Wetherby race was the below par effort of hot favourite Lord Transcend, who was already being niggled along when falling at the eleventh fence. The Howard Johnson-trained grey had shaped with immense promise when fourth to Celestial Gold in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury previously and a reproduction of that would put him right in the picture. He is, however, opposable on account of his lack of experience - he has had just three career starts over fences - as the stiff Haydock fences take no prisoners and any flaws in his jumping technique will be cruelly exposed.Chives, winner of the Tommy Whittle over course and distance last month, is another with claims, but will struggle to beat Take A Stand, who looked to be going the better before exiting five out and enjoys a 3lb pull now. Bet on the PeterMarsh Chase with Ladbrokes!