We asked three of our daily horse racing tipsters to pick the winner in Saturday’s Betfair Chase at Haydock – Bravemansgame or Protektorat?
Protektorat and Bravemansgame have both been declared in a four-runner field for the 2023 Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
2023 Betfair Chase Odds
Here are the latest betting odds for the two market leaders.
| Betfair Chase Winner | Best Price | Worst Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bravemansgame | 11/10 | 5/6 |
| Protektorat | 9/4 | 5/4 |
2023 Betfair Chase Tips
Andy Holding, Steve Ryder and Architect Tips pick their winner.
Andy Holding - Bravemansgame
There are several potentially intriguing clashes over jumps this weekend, none more so than Bravemansgame against Protektorat in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Much to the annoyance of connections of the latter, the former has been parachuted into this contest despite the post-race chat after the Charlie Hall suggesting he would go straight to the King George but at least it now adds extra spice to the otherwise dreary affair without the sight of Shishkin in the line-up - who heads to Ascot instead.
Considering there are just four Grade 1's during the season, it's easy to see why Paul Nicholls' inmate has been asked to go again prior to Kempton and it's not as if he had a massively hard race at Wetherby.
Seemingly still going best on the run to the last several weeks ago, a last fence blunder was the only reason he came off the bridle and although it was a race that he definitely let slip through his fingers, he still came out of the contest with his reputation intact.
The only negative from taking his chance at the weekend was the prospect of heavy ground but being as the current going is soft, good-to-soft in places and the forecast for the rest of the week is mainly dry, conditions should prove ideal for the eight-year-old.
Moreover, he is at his best when allowed to dominate in small fields and being the only confirmed front runners in Saturday's line-up, he should get all the assistance he needs to put up a bold show.
Protektorat will still have his supporters despite the likelihood of him now starting second favourite and it just all boils down to whether Dan Skelton's inmate is in the same form that saw him post a career high on the numbers in this race last year.
Even allowed for the fact A Plus Tard fluffed his lines, the eight-year-old couldn't have been any more impressive and there is no doubt that he will arrive back at the Merseyside venue with no stone unturned by his handler, who recognises this is very much his Gold Cup.
The only concern, which has been advertised in the press today, comes from the fact some of the stable's runners haven't been firing on all cylinders in the last few weeks - an occurrence that probably tips the balance of power in favour of Bravemansgame.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
Steve Ryder - Bravemansgame
The market for the Betfair Chase is dominated by last year’s winner Protektorat and the King George winner Bravemansgame but with race fitness on his side, I would prefer the chances of the Paul Nicholls trained charge.
The eight-year-old rated an unlikely runner in the race following his reappearance 2nd in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby behind Gentlesmansgame but with ground conditions appearing to be in his favour, the champion trainer appears to be happy to let him take his chance under the deputising Daryl Jacob.
He is rated 6lbs higher on official ratings than Protektorat and given his rivals record of 6-12 in his career, 5-12 over fences and with only one win on his previous five starts, I would be surprised if Bravemansgame didn’t go off odds on.
Bravemansgame looks a worthy favourite for the race and I would actually rate Royal Pagaille a bigger danger to him given his strong Haydock form for the in-form Venetia Williams stable.
Architect Tips – Bravemansgame
Protektorat was very impressive in winning this race 12 months ago by 11 lengths on his return, taking full advantage of hot favourite A Plus Tard flopping, but will face a formidable opponent this time around in the shape of Bravemansgame.
Paul Nicholls is the most decorated trainer in the history of the Betfair Chase, winning it six times, and the King George winner had Dan Skelton’s inmate back in fifth when chasing home Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
He has the fitness edge, courtesy of his second in the Charlie Hall Chase on his seasonal debut, and Daryl Jacob - who rode Bristol De Mai to three wins in the race - will deputise for Harry Cobden, who instead heads to Ascot with a strong book of rides.
The 5/4 price tag is a very fair reflection of his chance, and he should be difficult to beat.
When is the 2023 Betfair Chase at Haydock? Odds, Date, UK Start Time
Haydock Tips for Saturday – Andy Holding
The other fascinating affair this weekend comes via the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle run half an hour on the same card and the matchup between two improving types in the shape of Crambo and Slate Lane.
The former won with any amount in hand at Aintree on his seasonal return and it's significant that he comes here rather that tackling the Grade 2 at Ascot.
Although no doubt tempted to go to the Berkshire venue, connections are still looking to exploit his current favourable mark and as the race at Haydock is worth more money, the decision is a bit of a no brainer.
Whether he gets it all his own way largely depends on whether Slate Lane has more improvement to come as up to now, he has been very difficult for the UK handicap to assess.
Winning with more in hand than the bare results have suggested, he could easily have something extra up his sleeve and he deserves the utmost respect in his bid to complete a four timer.
At time of writing, Crambo just gets the slight vote but hopefully it should turn out to be a race of some significance for the rest of the season.
