2024 Betfair Chase Tips - Is Grey Dawning a worthy favourite at Haydock?

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Wed 20 Nov 2024 11:31

Jon Vine 20 Nov 2024

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Odds and betting predictions for the 2024 Betfair Chase
This Grade One will be run at Haydock on Saturday 23rd November
Hewick is highlighted as our best bet if the ground comes up good

Expired

Harry Skelton riding Grey Dawning clear the last to win The Turners Novices' Chase during day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2024. (Getty)

The first Grade One race of the British National Hunt season will be handed out at Haydock Park on Saturday afternoon. Famous names like Kauto Star, Silviniaco Conti and Cue Card have all won this staying chase and this year's renewal promises to be a cracker.

Here's our free guide to the 2024 Betfair Chase, including our best betting tips.

2024 Betfair Chase Odds

Name	Odds
Grey Dawning	15/8
Royal Pagaille	9/2
Ahoy Senor	5/1
Capodanno	6/1
Hewick	7/1
Bravemansgame	10/1
Bar	14/1

2024 Betfair Chase Runners

Grey Dawning shortened at the head of the betting for Saturday's feature after Corbetts Cross was ruled out. Given Dan Skelton's recent form, and the high regard in which he holds this horse, this year's Turners' Novices' Chase winner has to be considered a worthy favourite.

That being said, Grey Dawning is yet to win on his seasonal reappearance and Skelton has said openly that he hoped to get a run into the favourite. Also, Ginny's Destiny didn't exactly boost the form of the Turners at Cheltenham last weekend and both were thrashed at Aintree by Il Etait Temps. On his first start outside of novice company, I'm happy to take Grey Dawning on.

Royal Pagaille won this race convincingly last year, on what was his first start of the season. Venetia Williams' star will attempt to defend his crown having been off the track since a heavy fall in the Cotswold Chase back in January. Royale Pagaille is a ten-year-old now too, and Saturday's race should be more competitive than the one he won 12 months ago.

The last two winners of the Cotswold Chase will take their chance on Saturday. Ahoy Senor has been largely disappointing since stepping out of novice company and I doubt whether one run in the Old Roan will be enough to get him fit. Willie Mullins and JP McManus have subbed in Capodanno, but his form at Grade One level is largely poor.

I'm hoping to see Bravemansgame pulled from Saturday's feature, as I fancy he'll run well in the Coral Gold Cup. Recent performances suggest that Paul Nicholls' star - who was well-beaten as the 8/11 favourite in this race 12 months ago - isn't up to Grade One quality any more.

The Real Whacker saw off Bravemansgame when the two met in the Charlie Hall Chase last month and I could see him garnering some each-way support. French raider, Gold Tweet is interesting too. On his previous chasing form, the 2023 Cleeve Hurdle winner has plenty to find, but Gabriel Leenders has been preparing his seven-year-old for this assignment since the end of last season and Gold Tweet raised his game massively when running in Britain over hurdles.

It would be a huge ask for the mare, Limerick Lace to win an open Grade One of this calibre, and I'd give Minella Drama little to no chance.

2024 Betfair Chase Tips

The only runner that I'm keen to back is HEWICK (8/1). Gavin Sheehan rode Shark Hanlon's star to victory in the King George VI Chase last season and Gavin has already been confirmed in the saddle.

Hewick is a proven Grade One winner and travels to Haydock on the back of an excellent effort in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal. Hanlon's nine-year-old really put it up to Envoi Allen - who seems to grow an extra leg around that course - and there was only half-a-length between the two as they crossed the line.

The big worry for Hewick is Saturday's weather forecast. The going at Haydock is currently good, which would be ideal for Gavin Sheehan's mount. However, a deluge of rain has been forecast to hit Haydock early on Saturday morning and into the afternoon, which would turn the ground firmly against the King George winner.

If the rain is as bad as we're expecting, then Shark Hanlon will probably remove Hewick from the race and save him for either Kempton or Leopardstown over Christmas. I'll only back Hewick if the ground is good.

Live Stream

Visit our Betfair Chase Live Stream page if you want to watch this Grade One via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

2024 Betfair Chase

I'll be backing Hewick in this year's Betfair Chase if ground conditions at Haydock remain suitable. If the going is any softer than good-to-soft, then I won't be having a bet at all.

Hewick

2024 Betfair Chase

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