The Racing Post Chase runs Saturday at Kempton and the betting looks to be wide open with several of last year’s best horses back for another shot. Nacarat, a runner up last year, leads the odds this year but carries top weight after What A Friend withdrew at the five day stage. Just behind Nacarat in the odds is Fistral Beach, who disappointed last year but is primed for a comeback this year.
Instead of riding Nacarat like last year, Paul Nicholls has Tony McCoy riding Fistral Beach this year. Nicholls is hoping the champion jockey can get the best run out of his eight year old after the trip over the second fence last year. Fistral Beach won a handicap chase at Wincanton in January following a respiratory operation over the summer.
Tom George is hoping the 10-year-old Nacarat can do one better this year and win the Racing Post Chase. The three mile race will be a true test of stamina for the aging horse. Nacarat won the Charlie Hall Chase and finished fourth in the King George in December. He won the 2009 Racing Post Chase and is in good form.
Razor Royale is a bit further down the betting line but he won last year’s Racing Post Chase. The nine year old faltered late last year but held on for the victory. He has struggled on long distances this season, pulling up in two of four races, but he has a good record at Kempton.
Third in the odds is Quinz, who also enjoys running at Kempton with a handicap hurdle win in March. The seven year old finished third in his last outing and will run as a longshot bet in the Grand National in April. Philip also has Mostly Bob in the Racing Post Chase. Mostly Bob was a novices handicap winner at Doncaster in January.
Behind Quinz in the odds is Bakbenscher. The eight year old is coming off a win at Exeter from two weeks ago. Sagalyrique won a Doncaster handicap for Donal McCain last month.
Racing Post Chase Outright Odds (provided by Eurobet)
Nacarat: 9/2
Fistral Beach: 11/2
Quinz: 13/2
Bakbenscher: 8/1
Mostly Bob: 9/1
Hey Big Spender: 11/1
Sagalyrique: 11/1
Razor Royale: 12/1
Crescent Island: 20/1
Polyfast: 20/1
Door Boy: 22/1
Ringaroses: 25/1
Free World: 33/1
Piraya: 33/1
Safari Adventures: 33/1
Mount Oscar: 40/1