Charlie Hall Chase betting and odds

Jumps action returns to our TV screens this weekend as Wetherby prepares to host the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, writes Mikey Mumford. Now in its 42nd running, this Grade 2 event will see horses aged five and older negotiate eighteen fences over 3m1f. Eight runners will head to post for a share of the £100,000 pot and last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner Diamond Harry currently heads the market. However, he faces strong competition from Paul Webber’s Time For Rupert and previous course and distance winner Nacarat.

Wetherby Charlie Hall Chase tips

Nacarat Previous course and distance winner who finished last season with a tailed off fourth at Punchestown over 3m1f. Prior to that, Tom George’s representative was an impressive winner in the Bowl Chase at Aintree and should be on terms with a repeat effort. Does often need the run after a break and others preferred for win purposes.

Diamond Harry Has won 10 of his 14 career starts including the Hennessey Gold Cup last year where he stayed on gamely near the finish. Prefers soft ground but is very versatile regarding conditions and has won on his reappearance after a break for the last two years. Will easily get this trip and weighted to run another big race.

Poquelin Won on his final run for Paul Nicholls last season holding on bravely over 2m5f at Cheltenham and has proved himself as a solid performer in this sphere. Stepped up in trip for this race though, and reservations whether he will stay 3m but obvious chance if he does.

Weird Al Ended last campaign in disappointing fashion when pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup although he had posted some likeable efforts prior to that. He won over this course and distance on soft ground last February but this represents a huge step up in class and might be best watched this time.

Chicago Grey Tried on a number of testing grounds but done most of his winning on good surfaces including the Challenge Cup at Cheltenham in March over an extended 4m. So should easily get this trip but was beaten last year by Time For Rupert so has work to do to reverse that bare form.

Time For Rupert Looked set to score after being sent off favourite in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham when all his previous form had been franked. Could only finish a distant fifth that day but can be forgiven for that effort having previously notched two decent events prior. Every chance at the weights and should give Diamond Harry most to think about; shortlisted.

Acrai Rua Pulled up in three of his last six and hardly boasts confidence. Even when he did finish last time at Carlisle over 3m he was last of seven runners. Difficult to make a case for and unlikely to trouble some of these.

Chief Dan George Oldest and most exposed horse in the field and struggled last year since springing a huge surprise at 33/1 in a Grade 3 Handicap at Cheltenham. Not in the same class as some of his rivals and unlikely to get involved at this stage of his career.

A great race to kick-start the National Hunt season and Diamond Harry holds all the aces on the back of his Hennessy Gold Cup win last year. Nick Williams’ runner has gone well after a break in the past but might come unstuck here. TIME FOR RUPERT has a good chance at the weights to beat his rival and he can put the disappointment of the RSA Chase behind him here. Nacarat could sneak in to the place for money for each-way punters. [Mikey Mumford]

For a full list of free bets for this race and all the other sporting action this weekend, visit our free bets section.

New customers to Sky Bet get a completely free £10 bet – no deposit required!

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches