[kompressaur]

Here's something we get from bet365 to encourage sign ups. Might as well post it to errrrr encourage sign ups. Nah to get some chat going. Feel fre to add your own thoughts or fancies. thanks

HORSE RACING
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7/2 ALBUHERA BACKED FOR CHANDLER
This weekend’s racing is under threat from the freezing temperatures, but Cheltenham are ‘60-40’ at the time of writing, so hopefully we’ll get to see Saturday’s star-studded card, and in particular the Victor Chandler Chase (2.10). Betting has really heated up over the last few days, and Albuhera, in particular, has been the subject of strong support. He’s now 7/2 favourite (from 11/2), and this prolific hurdler (who has taken really well to fences his term) should be involved at the finish. However, his lack of experience could find him out in this hot contest, and he doesn’t look good value now. Problem is most of his opponents have question marks against them too. Second favourite, Dempsey, is almost certainly better going right-handed, while the progressive Town Crier ran poorly on his only previous visit to the track.


PUT FAITH IN TYSOU AT 11/1
There are no such concerns about Tysou, who rates excellent each-way value at bet365’s 11/1 (could be single figures on the day). He’s already shown he can make light work of the stiff track and fences by winning over course and distance last month, one of several creditable runs at Cheltenham, including a fourth at last year’s Festival. There was also a lot to like about his latest third behind Dempsey at Sandown and, on 4lb better terms, he’s fancied to turn the tables on the winner back at his favourite track. The race is one of four to be screened live from the track by Channel 4, which means we can also look forward a free bet (up to £25) on the next live race, should the selection win at 4/1 or bigger.

Victor Chandler Pick: Tysou @ 11/1 (plus free Channel 4 bet!)

bet365 latest Victor Chandler Chase prices … Albuhera 7/2, Dempsey 11/2, Town Crier, Ground Ball, Fundamentalist 8/1, Tysou 11/1, others on bet365 website.


HARALD IS KING AT 6/1
Channel 4 are also showing the Skybet Chase from Southwell (2.25), where King Harald is fancied to get his career back on track (currently 6/1) – Channel 4 Offer applies. Things haven’t really gone his way since winning at last year’s Festival, as he had a really hard race on his reappearance at Cheltenham, and would have been feeling the effects of that when disappointing in the Hennessy. Since then, a bout of ringworm has kept him off the track, but he has been working well at home, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him bounce back to his best here. In an open year, he could also be an outside bet for this year’s Gold Cup – he’s currently a massive 50/1 with bet365 for that race, and those odds will collapse should he win well on Saturday.

Skybet Chase Pick: King Harald @ 6/1 (Gold Cup ante post @ 50/1)


BACK GOLD FOR GLORY AT 11/1
There should also be plenty of Gold Cup clues to be gleaned from the Cotswold Chase (3.20), to be run on the same card as the Victor Chandler. A good performance from any of the principals will see their odds tumbling for the big race in March, and Martin Pipe is sure to have Celestial Gold primed for his first run back since finishing seventh in last year’s GC. A couple of early mistakes soon sealed his fate there, but he was probably ‘over the top’ for the season after magnificent wins in the Paddy Power and Hennessy. This season, his campaign has been geared towards the big one in March, but he goes well fresh so we can back him here with confidence (and have a few quid at 11/1 ante post). The danger is Monkerhostin, who remains in the form of his life and is still relatively unexposed over a staying trip. Don’t forget, you can watch the race (any race) live here at bet365. Just bet £5 on the race and click on the live stream next to the race.

Cotswold Chase Pick: Celestial Gold (Gold Cup ante post @ 50/1)