Cheltenham Betting
Royal and Sun Alliance Chase
The RSA Chase tests future stars of the staying chase division to the absolute limit and after a season of trials and prep runs, this race at the Festival really sorts out the genuine class from the great pretenders.
Normally, the race carries quite a strong degree of predictability in comparison to the other championship races at the meeting, however this is not the case this time around with a number of horses in major contention to cross the line first.
Nicky Henderson’s Punchestowns occupies favouritism with a fortnight to go before the race and is solid at 3/1. His reputation and pedigree justifies him as the market leader - he was rated miles higher than any of the other contenders over hurdles and so far he has shown a tremendous turn of foot when racing over the larger obstacles.
His jumping has perhaps not been as fluent as it should have been to date though, with his sheer engine being the key to winning his races. With jumping at an absolute premium in this race, he could be caught out, especially if the pace is strong early on.
A horse that seems to jump for fun is Henderson’s other challenger, Long Run (4/1). Sam Waley Cohen will take the ride on this one and although he has still been left in the Arkle declarations, it is highly likely that he will take his chance here. The French import has won with bags in hand around Kempton and most recently Warwick and he could really be suited to this race at Cheltenham.
Paul Nicholls will saddle up The Nightingale (12/1) after his impressive display at Kempton. He is a massive each way price at 12/1 as he is a really strong type and powerful galloper. Ruby Walsh will be on board as he aims to be the Festival’s top jockey and this could well be one of his winners.
Noel Fehily sounded gutted after injury has ruled him out of riding Weird Al (11/1), the horse who he gave special mention to when asked what he would miss riding the most. Charlie Mann’s horse has made good progress this season and will definitely go to Cheltenham with a chance although he may well find one or two a little too good.
Weapons Amnesty (10/1) was a winner at the Festival in 2009 and will have a chance here on his best form, whilst Diamond Harry (15/2), Nick Williams’ stable star, was only a few lengths off Big Bucks at Newbury and is unblemished, if untested, so far over fences. Meanwhile, the classy Mikael D’haguenet (14/1) looks set to miss out after struggling with injury all season.
You could easily throw a blanket over all of the major hopes in this one, however there seems to be real confidence from connections and the public about the exciting Long Run, who may just be the one come March 17.
