Betfair Chase betting: Joint favourites for Haydock showpiece

Protektorat and Bravemansgame have been priced up as 6/4 joint-favourites in Coral’s 2023 Betfair Chase betting odds following the final entries for Saturday’s Grade One race at Haydock.

Speculation had been rife whether Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Bravemansgame (pictured below) would run this weekend or head straight to the King George, but trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed Saturday’s race is very much the plan for his stable star.

Coral’s Lewis Knowles said: “Although only six have been entered for the Betfair Chase, it could be a fascinating contest if they all turn up on Saturday afternoon.

“We have Protektorat and Bravemansgame as joint-favourites for the race, but if Paul Nicholls’ horse does line up, then I suspect he’ll be the outright favourite come 3pm on Saturday.”

With Bravemansgame’s usual rider Harry Cobden set to be in action at Ascot, Daryl Jacob has been handed the plum spare ride and will be looking to add to the three Betfair Chase victories he secured aboard Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Bristol De Mai.

It also represents a return to the fold at Ditcheat for the 40-year-old, with Jacob once stable jockey to the champion trainer, riding Cheltenham Festival winners aboard Zarkandar and Lac Fontana.

Last year’s winner Protektorat has had the first Group One of the season as his big target and will attempt to join the likes of Kauto Star and Cue Card as multiple Betfair Chase winners.

Last year’s winner Protektorat has had the first Group One of the season as his big target and will attempt to join the likes of Kauto Star and Cue Card as multiple Betfair Chase winners.