Victor Chandler Chase Betting Tips

The Mark Rimell-trained Oneway was they most improved horse in training during the 2004/05 season, but one of the most disappointing of last season, failing to make the impact many, myself included, predicted that he would in the two-mile chasing ranks. However, the son of Bob's Return is taken to get back into the winning groove in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on January 20, for which he is a top-priced 7/1 with the sponsors VCBetMany of Rimell's horses were under a cloud last season and although Oneway's reappearance outing offered little in the way of encouragement, his two subsequent efforts have been most promising, especially last time out when splitting Voy Por Ustedes and Foreman in the inaugural running of the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton's Christmas meeting.That was an eyecatching performance from the nine-year-old, who travelled and jumped well throughout the race and kept on well between the last two fences to get the better of Foreman and finish five lengths second to Voy Por Ustedes. The winner was a ready one, but he is a class act - favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in fact - which puts the merit of Oneway's effort into context.That display was all the more meritorious considering that the selection wouldn't have been ideally suited by that sharp nature of that track. Oneway loomed large at the third last but was quickly outpaced by the winner, but staying on nevertheless all the way up the home straight. As his winning record clearly illustrates, he is far more effective on a stiffer track, and a strongly-run race at Ascot should be right up his street.If Foreman re-opposes in this Grade 2 handicap he'll be meeting Oneway on 3lb worse terms and, although Thierry Doumen's charge is probably capable of better than he showed that day, I still see no reason why he should reverse the placings with the selection. Furthermore, no horse since Waterloo Boy in 1992 has carted topweight to victory in this event, and I doubt Foreman will be quite good enough to emulate that feat.Antepost market leader Saintsaire made a thoroughly satisfactory reappearance and first start for Paul Nicholls when scoring at Newbury on Hennessy day and, assuming that the weights don't rise appreciably through the defection of too many at the top of the handicap, the seven-year-old will sneak in off a feather weight. There can be little doubt that he remains potentially well treated in this sphere based on his career-high mark over timber.However, while I respect Saintsaire's claims, I feel that he needs to find a good deal of improvement to beat the likes of Oneway and Foreman, albeit receiving lumps of weight from those rivals. His jumping was adequate at Newbury, but it was rather suspect on occasions last season and any flaws in that department will be exposed in a competitive race like this which will be run at a break-neck pace.Nicky Henderson has a sound record in this race having won it three times in the last decade, including last year with Tysou. But that horse doesn't look quite so good this term and, along with the Lambourn handlers other two entries, Mariah Rollins and Greenhope, he doesn't appeal from a punting perspective.The main dangers to Oneway may be Dempsey, who was a creditable second in this race when it was run at Sandown last year, and Rimell's other entry, Crossbow Creek, who is starting to fulfil his potential over the larger obstacles and demonstrated good battling qualities when getting the better of Demi Beau in a decent Listed handicap over this course and distance in October. He is 8lb higher now but has been trained with this race in mind and ought to make his presence felt.But for punters looking for the winner, there is only Oneway to go.Verdict - 1pt Oneway @ 7/1 (VCbet)