Daryl Jacob seen here winning the Betfair Chase on Bristol De Mai. He rides odds-on favourite Bravemansgame in Saturday’s renewal. (Pic: Courtesy of Haydock Park).

Horse Talk with Simon Jackson:

Top horse-racing tips and the latest news. 

Bravemansgame heads the betting at 8-11 with the sponsors for the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday which has attracted a boutique field of four runners.

Bravemansgame, the 2022 King George VI Chase winner and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up, goes up against last year’s winner Protektorat, course specialist Royale Pagaille – who has bagged three wins and a second from four runs at Haydock – and Grand National and Cheltenham Festival winner Corach Rambler.

Bravemansgame’s trainer Paul Nicholls revealed earlier this week that his charge will be ridden by three-time Betfair Chase winner Daryl Jacob, with regular rider Harry Cobden riding at Ascot

Talking to Betfair on ‘Ditcheat Diary’ Paul Nicholls said: “An update for everybody. He schooled this morning [Monday] nicely.

“Daryl Jacob rode him. He runs on Saturday. Daryl’s going to ride him, you know. He’s got all the experience in the world. He rides out a little bit here, so he got on great with him this morning.

“We’ve confirmed him this morning, and we’re just going to monitor the ground during the week. If it was heavy, he definitely won’t run, but I’m encouraged by the weather forecast. Looks like it’s drying up.”

Betfair spokesperson Barry Orr, speaking today [Thursday], added: “Bravemansgame is odds-on at 8-11 in what is a small but select field. Last year’s winner Protektorat, who will need to be in tip-top shape to repeat the feat, is second best at 15-8.

“The Grand National winner Corach Rambler is 10-1 and the 2021 runner-up, Royale Pagaille, is also a 10-1 chance. It has all the ingredients for a great renewal.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ for top horse racing tips and the latest news.