Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Haydock Betfair Chase (Grade 1, 3m1½f, 5yo+) horse racing event.
The first British Grade 1 race of the season also marks the seasonal debut for Grey Dawning. The winner of the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham finished his last season with a third place in the Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree. Throughout the season, he secured a couple of victories, including one at Haydock. It will be intriguing to see how he performs against top-tier competition.
Ahoy Senor is a strong chaser who has had little luck lately. He's consistently in the thick of things and claims prize positions but hasn't won since the Cotswold Chase in January last year. Despite this, bookmakers have him as their second choice.
Royale Pagaille, representing Venetia Williams, will attempt to win this prize for the second consecutive year. He also competed here in 2021, finishing behind A Plus Tard. Since his victory last year, he has only appeared in the Cotswold Chase, where he fell at the last. There's hope for a repeat success, with odds at 6/1 on bet365.
The winner of the aforementioned Cotswold Chase, Capodanno, was supplemented for £7,200. Clearly, JP McManus and Willie Mullins have faith in him, but following that victory, Capodanno faltered at Cheltenham, Aintree, and Punchestown. This will be his first appearance of the season.
Hewick, the 2023 King George winner, has already raced twice this season. In his last start, he finished just half a length behind Envoi Allen in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase.
Bravemansgame was the favourite in his season debut at the Charlie Hall Chase, where he came second to The Real Whacker, but he's currently rated above him. He hasn't won in nearly two years, yet his performances remain consistent. While this competition could be challenging, he has the chance to make his mark once again.
The Real Whacker unseated Sam Twiston-Davies in his season debut but subsequently won the Charlie Hall Chase. Last season, he failed to finish in two of his five starts, with his best result being a runner-up finish in the Cotswold Chase behind Capodanno.
