Native River To Upset Might Bite At Haydock

It is quality over quantity in Haydock for the Betfair Chase but a cracking renewal of the Grade 1 awaits with five high class runners.

River to flow in at Haydock

Might Bite is likely to shade favouritism for the Betfair Chase and there is no doubt that the track and conditions will suit Nicky Henderson’s charge.

Native River shouldn’t be underestimated though despite the distance and conditions and his running style can help him recreate his Gold Cup winning form.

Native River is probably sent off favourite for this race if it was a couple of furlongs further and softer ground but his class shouldn’t be underestimated and Richard Johnson can boss this from the front on Colin Tizzard’s charge.

Native River is still only an eight-year-old and while he doesn’t need to improve there is every chance that he can still get better as last season’s campaign was interrupted and reduced to two outings.

The ground was good to soft when Native River won the Hennessy, albeit the passing of time tells us that he was well handicapped that day, but he was also a Grade 1 winning novice at Aintree’s Grand National winner and he is a confident selection to maintain his winning ways in the feature race today.

Nicholls to continue winning ways

Politologue relished his return up in trip at Aintree last season to got the better of Min and Paul Nicholls’ charge can give weight away to all rivals on his seasonal debut at Ascot today.

The course and distance winner has to give weight to some good rivals but he just seems to be a cut above these. The Ryanair Chase would look the logical long term target for Politologue and that is the type of race he can be very competitive in while today’s rivals just look likely to fall short of Grade 1 level.

Benatar has always been highly regarded but his seasonal return wasn’t as inspiring as hoped and Politologue certainly looks the standard setter.

It was a slight surprise to see no Irish challenger make the trip over as the ground looks slightly easier here compared to what we have at home but the Nicolls runner can benefit from not having a stern test from some of our seasoned chasers.
Over two miles Politolgue was able to beat Fox Norton in the Tingle Creek and run a creditable race behind Altior but he certainly looks better over further and can prove that today.

Trying clutching the straws in the first

Gowran Park starts early today with the three-year-old maiden hurdle being divided. BoyleSports ambassador Robbie Power spoke highly of his chances in the first division on Henry de Bromhead’s Tiger Voice.

The flat winner boasts some good form in France and looks a worthy favourite but it might be worth chancing Mick Mulvany’s Grasping At Straws for a bit of an each-way bet.

Made a 12/1 chance yesterday evening the filly has Conor Orr taking 7lbs off to leave her with just 10st here and that is a big allowance in a race where many of these are no hopers.

She failed to win on the flat but ran well and can hopefully make the frame in this hurdling debut.

Recommended Bets
Tiger Voice (8/11) – Gowran Park 11.35
Politologue (6/5) – Ascot 2.05
Native River (5/2) – Haydock 3.00

*Prices correct at time of publication