IT’S a funny old game this. The usual moans and groans about field sizes have given way despite the two weekend features having tiny fields.
With the quality shining through all seems to be forgiven and that’s the case at Haydock for the Betfair Chase where four are in line to run.
How the race will be run
All the signs point to there being a proper gallop on here, even with the race being extended to give the horses more time to jump the first.
Bristol De Mai has won the last two renewals of this cutting out the running and jumping his rivals silly.
More of the same has to be expected on Saturday. Nigel Twiston-Davies is a great trainer and doesn’t muck things around needlessly – this course is made for his wonder grey.
The main danger, Lostintranslation, also likes to get on with things but has proven more versatile and on his first start in open company it would be a shock if he went toe-to-toe with the defending champ from the off.
That could prove costly to say the least and any early mistakes would make his task nigh on impossible.
You would expect Robbie Power to keep Lostintranslation covered up early but always with an eye on Bristol De Mai and if he has the juice you can expect him to make his move turning in to the long straight at Haydock.
If he is good enough it will make for some race.
We must not forget Ryanair winner Frodon who is a cracking jumper and as hardy as they come. Bryony Frost gets a great tune out of him and if on song he may challenge Bristol De Mai for the lead.
Is Lostintranslation good enough?
There is no simple yes or no. He remains largely unexposed and this is his first step into the big bad world of open company races.
He beat up a good field at Carlisle last time, but that was nothing compared to this, and he was allowed a free run out front there.
His jumping was eye-catching but not the most efficient and he will have to be quicker over some of his fences, especially if Bristol De Mai is swinging out front.
He is taking on Bristol De Mai on his home turf – and last year’s Gold Cup third – this is no easy task and it would be no knock on the horse if he ran well in second. He could well improve past the grey later in the year but this looks a tall order so early in his campaign.
Will Frodon and Ballyoptic play a role?
Of course. Frodon is a proper animal and will play a part in this Grade 1, whether that is challenging the favourite for the lead or pressuring the leader up the home straight.
He will be fine over the trip but may just lack that kick of Lostintranslation or Bristol De Mai at the business end. However, if either are caught cold Frodon will be bang there on his day.
Ballyoptic is also trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and deserves a shot at this after his Charlie Hall win. This is another step up but even his trainer would be surprised if he takes down Bristol De Mai.
So then, where do I put my money?
You will not get rich, but Bristol De Mai just has to be the bet in this.
He adores Haydock and has put up staggering numbers in winning this the last twice, accounting for the likes of Native River, Might Bite and Cue Card with relative ease.
A shade better than even money is probably the best you’ll get, but in a four runner race, in a weaker renewal than he has won previously, all logic points to him landing the hat-trick for connections. Good luck!
