Saturday sees the running of one of the most important preparatory races for the Cheltenham Gold Cup – the Aon Chase.

In recent years the Newbury spectacular has tended to draw some of the chase circuit’s stars, and Saturday will be no exception as Denman makes his first appearance since winning the Hennessy Gold Cup earlier in the season.

Party of Five

Denman’s showing at the Hennessy Gold Cup was impressive enough to dissuade owners and trainers from speculating on the race. Only four racehorses will line up alongside Denman at the starting line at Newbury on Sunday with only stablemate, Tricky Trickster looking remotely capable of defeating the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup champion.

Even more ominous for Denman’s rivals is the fact that he’ll be partnered by none other than Tony McCoy for the race, as regular rider, Sam Thomas, gives way to the champion jockey.

Trick or Treat

Tricky Trickster could be the value place or each-way bet for tomorrow’s race. Paul Nicholls’ charge is certainly one to watch in the future, and at the tender age of 7 has performed some impressive feats, including five finishes in the top two in his last six races. However, this is his first big race, and he’d need Denman to make a mistake to take a win.

Niche Market is priced second by bookies in the 2010 Aon Chase betting markets. This price is largely based on his win at the Irish Grand National in April of 2009. Since taking that win the best result he has managed was 3rd place at the Hennessy Gold Cup, another handicap. Top handicappers rarely make the transition to higher grade wins, and we don’t think Niche Market will be an exception to this rule.

The Jollies and Rags

The remainder of the field for the 2010 Aon Chase doesn’t exactly set the pulse racing. Charlie Mann’s gelding, Air Force One, hasn’t exactly been setting the turf alight since finishing second in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup and last won a race almost two years ago. Ollie Magern, meanwhile, is getting extremely long in the tooth and last won a race in 2007 while Wee Robbie hasn’t finished one of his last three races and has just one win over fences.

Aon Chase Betting Tip

Our bet for the Aon Chase is a bit of a no-brainer. Take Denman sooner rather than later, as his odds are likely to approach zero as race time approaches. Niche Market looks like a super lay bet at Betfair while Tricky Trickster wins our award for horse most likely to pay on place and each-way bets, and possibly upset the market favourite.

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