Skybet chase betting tips

It's never easy to be dogmatic about staying handicap chases run under testing conditions, and the Skybet Chase at Southwell on Saturday is as competitive as you would expect a race of its valuable nature to be. However, although you could not confidently discount any of the dozen runners if they were to turn up at the top of their game, one horse does stand out - Rosses Point, who could still be ahead of the handicapper and has to be backed at 11/4 with bet365. The eight-year-old has been hit with an 18lb rise for his victory at Ludlow last time and this race does represent a significant step up in grade. But Evan Williams' charge looks a much-improved performer this season and I feel sure that there is a good deal more to come from the son of Roselier. The selection made a couple of mistakes when winning cosily on his reappearance at Wincanton, but he jumped much better when following up at the aforementioned Shropshire venue on his most recent outing. And, in any case, Southwell's fences are not the stiffest. Rosses Point acts under the conditions, travels well and has ample stamina. All in all, it's hard to ignore what this gelding brings to the table and he can give the trainer jockey combination of Williams and Paul Moloney another big-race win over fences following State Of Play's Hennessy triumph earlier in the season. Mon Mome is an obvious danger having chased home classy rivals in Halcon Genelardais and Ladalko in big staying handicaps the last twice. However, while it would be foolish to dismiss his chances, I just cannot envisage him proving good enough to concede 22lb to Rosses Point. Ever Present and Umbrella Man both have few miles on the clock for horses of their respective ages, nine and 11, and it would be no surprise to see either figure prominently, while the likes of Nadover, Sharp Belline and Simon should all give good accounts. Verdict - 2pts Rosses Point @11/4 (bet365)