Ascot & Haydock - 24th Nov

We have a couple of cracking cards today at Ascot and Haydock and the main events at both courses will have a big bearing on the market for the King George on Boxing Day.

At Haydock Long Run takes on impressive Wetherby winner Silviniaco Conti in the Betfair Chase and at Ascot Finian's Rainbow is the favourite in a cracking renewal of the Amlin Chase where he gives weight to such as For Non Stop and Captain Chris.

I'm in a good position in the King George having backed Al Ferof at 20/1 before his Paddy Power win last week and I also like Finian's Rainbow for the race as well. He had a terrific season in 2011/12 where he improved both his jumping and his ability to see out a race. He was most impressive over two and a half miles at Aintree in the spring and I think he'll stay three miles no bother. Having said that I think he could be vulnerable first time out given the conditions of the day. Captain Chris gets ten pounds from him and I think that could tip the balance in that horses's favour - although he is unproven on the soft ground. Long Run was on the whole a disappointment last season and although he has the best form in today's race by some distance I think he is poor value at short odds. He jumped poorly in the race last year and although a large part of that was trying to keep pace with the great Kauto Star it must go down as a negative given his price, especially given the really soft ground. Silviniaco Conti is a fine young chaser with a bright future and crucially he is a good jumper of a fence and that gives him an edge today imo. I don't like Weird Al or The Giant Bolster at this level.

So, two good races to look forward to with a view to another big race in a month or so. Although I favour Silviniaco Conti and Captain Chris I wouldn't say either of them are outright bets as for all there are angles in both contests that point to them ultimately they do have something to find with the market leaders of their respective races. With that in mind I have decided to just have a small double on them at Betfair SP.

As for the King George, it is possible that Finian's Rainbow could be favourite for the race this evening if he wins and Long Run gets beat so I have taken a position on him and also topped up on Al Ferof

Amlin Chase and Betfair Chase:
Captain Chris and Silviniaco Conti £20w dbl @ Betfair SP (won)

(+813.4)

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King George:
Al Ferof £15w @ 152/10
Finian's Rainbow £15w @ 8/1