Grands Crus not the e/w alternative to beat Long Run at Haydock
Published:It cannot be argued that Grands Crus was mightily impressive on his first chase start when winning at Cheltenham over the weekend, but it may be getting slightly carried away to suggest that he can follow up in the Betfair Chase.
Trainer David Pipe has not ruled out that Grands Crus will quickly reappear at Haydock and this comment has seen the grey installed at 12/1 in the Betfair Chase odds.
Grands Crus would have some things going for him at Haydock, most notably that he is proven over 3m and his rating from his time over hurdles shows that he possesses the relevant class to be a contender.
However, winning a race of the magnitude of the Betfair Chase on just a second start over fences is a monumental ask and there are certainly numerous other options open to him this season.
Grands Crus certainly has a big future over fences and does not need to be rushed into the most high-profile races this season.
A novice campaign over fences where he can perfect his jumping is arguably the best option and he could finish in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, before taking on the likes of Long Run next season.
Therefore, each-way punters looking to oppose heavy favourite Long Run may be best to side with Diamond Harry.
Diamond Harry may have been off the course for almost a year, but he has an outstanding record in November, winning on all of his three starts in the month and has still never been beaten on his first start of a season.
This makes 8/1 a solid each-way price in the Betfair Chase, particularly if any rain falls around Haydock in the coming week as his best form has typically been on soft ground.
