Al holding firm against Long Run in Betfair market | Thebigtip

With market leader and long-time ante-post favourite Long Run still dominating the market for the forthcoming Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on November 19, most of his potential rivals are on the slide as reports of the Henderson-trained champion working well emanate throughout the industry. One of the few horses to remain firm against the favourite is recent Wetherby scorer Weird Al, now generally a 7/1 second favourite in the Betfair Chase betting, writes Elliot Slater.
 
Although yet to be confirmed a definite runner in the race as he has an alternative engagement a week later in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, there appears to be a growing feeling that Weird Al could provide the biggest danger to the current King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner having impressed most observers with his defeat of the smart Time For Rupert in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby a few weeks ago.

Weird Al, who ended last season being pulled up in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March after breaking a blood vessel, joined Donald McCain's powerful string during the summer from the Ian Williams yard and appeared to be back to the form of the first half of last term where he dead-heated with subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Little Josh at Carlisle before running respectably at Newbury in the 'Hennessy'. People following the online horse race betting wil be wondering if he can spring an upset.

Always regarded as a horse with tremendous potential, the eight-year-old has not been the easiest to train and remains somewhat fragile, but if McCain has found the key to him and allows the gelded son of Accordion to take his chance against Long Run, Kauto Star and the other high class performers slated for battle at Haydock, then there is every chance that he will give a very good account of himself.