Image Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)The Real Whacker Set for Betfair Chase After Surprise Win
The Real Whacker embarks on a thrilling challenge in the prestigious Betfair Chase at Haydock, aiming to prove his mettle against elite competitors after a stunning victory, with hopes resting on favorable ground conditions.
After a surprising victory against the heavily favored Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall Chase, The Real Whacker faces a new challenge in the first Grade 1 race of the British jumps season—the Betfair Chase at Haydock next Saturday. Initially planned for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, trainer Patrick Neville has chosen the Haydock race instead, pointing to the dry weather that has affected the ground at both locations.
Neville, a trainer renowned for his astute tactical choices, elaborated on the reasoning behind the shift in plans. “The King George is set to be highly competitive, so it didn’t seem wise to enter there,” Neville stated. “We originally planned to bypass the Betfair Chase and aim for Kempton, but with the current weather predictions, Haydock appears to be a more suitable choice if the ground remains favorable.” He added, “The Real Whacker emerged from his race at Wetherby in fantastic form, and if the ground holds up, we believe he has a genuine chance.”
This decision places The Real Whacker in a prominent race, setting him against a competitive field that features two of last season's top achievers, Grey Dawning and Corbetts Cross. Both horses delivered impressive performances at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring, making the Betfair Chase a captivating challenge for Neville's competitor. Although The Real Whacker carries odds of 20-1, his recent performances have garnered significant attention within the racing community, and Neville is optimistic that his horse can meet the challenge head-on.
"The favorable dry weather plays to our advantage," remarked Neville, whose enthusiasm shines through despite the strong competition in the race. "With little rain expected, if the ground stays in good condition, The Real Whacker has the potential to perform exceptionally. He’s in excellent form, and I've been very pleased with his progress since his victory at Wetherby." This represents a crucial juncture in the horse's career as he prepares to compete against a top-tier field in a prominent Grade 1 chase.
The situation regarding the jockey is still uncertain, as Brian Hughes, who rode The Real Whacker at Wetherby, stepped in because regular jockey Sam Twiston-Davies was unavailable. Having achieved the horse's latest victory, Hughes is a strong contender to ride again at Haydock. Neville pointed out that while a final decision has yet to be made, he is not likely to replace Hughes if he is available. “He was the last rider to win on him, so it makes sense for him to remain aboard, as long as he is willing to ride,” Neville added.
Among the entries for the Betfair Chase is Gold Tweet, the 2023 Cleeve Hurdle winner at Cheltenham, who is grabbing attention as his odds have decreased to 14-1 from 33-1 following recent support. The upcoming race at Haydock is becoming one of the most eagerly awaited events of the jumps season, featuring top-tier competitors and captivating narratives throughout the lineup.
For The Real Whacker, the Betfair Chase is not just another chance for a win; it's an opportunity to cement his reputation among the elite chasers in the sport. Should the ground conditions remain favorable and the horse lives up to expectations, Neville's daring decision could indeed pay off, leading to more significant victories as the season progresses. The stage is set for an exciting competition, and all eyes will be on Haydock as the action unfolds next Saturday.
