Badgers Ales 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.

Wincanton Badgers Ale Chase tips

The Minack Lightly raced sort who has won half of his 10 career starts including at this course back in January over 2m5f. He was pulled up in the Scottish National and blundered badly at Ascot the time before which put him out of contention and he finished a distant third. Has a preference for soft ground but slight worry is that he’s yet to win over this distance.

Hello Bud In his veteran years now but was pulled up on both starts this year so difficult to know what to expect. Had previously won a decent handicap at Aintree in 2010 and finished fifth to Don’t Push It in the Grand National that same year but vulnerable to an improver.

Benbane Head Has had plenty of runs this year with a couple of successes along the way including at Uttoxteter on his penultimate run over 2m5f after being briefly headed. Did win over this distance at Cheltenham in 2009 but form figures don’t convince in last three runs over 3m.

Gone To Lunch Another who is not getting any younger these days at least seems in good heart after winning at this course over 3m3f last time. He drew clear to score by eight lengths that day and while he will come up against better rivals here, that bare form is better than most and has proved he handles the track and trip.

Meanus Dandy Stayed on strongly to land this event twelve months ago but has completed just one race since. He weakened some way from home at Doncaster in March and was tailed off and then pulled up when tackling 3m5f at Sandown last time. Bit to prove at present if he is to retain his crown.

Alderluck Been sent off short price favourite the last twice scoring on heavy ground at Plumpton the first time. He made a mistake 4 out at Kempton latest and lost his rhythm a little but chances if errors do not creep into his game. Definite each-way claims.

Checkerboard Posted two good efforts the last twice just coming up short last time at Aintree but had no problems at Hexham the time before. However, he has since moved from Howard Johnson and remains to be seen what new trainer can get out of him.

Not the best handicap chase you are ever likely to see but a competitive renewal nevertheless. It could come down to a toss-up between Alderluck and GONE TO LUNCH who have some of the best recent form on offer. But preference is for the latter who in good style here last time over slightly further and he can confirm that form turned out quickly again. [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.

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