The Racing Post Chase takes places at Kempton this Saturday and there are a number of stories emerging that make it a very interesting contest.
Paul Nicholls provided the first bit of news that caught the eye in his Betfair column where he revealed that AP McCoy will ride his very promising Fistral Beach in the race.
The horse is currently the 6/1 favourite for the race in the ante-post betting market even though it was the 3/1 horse betting favourite last year before going on to unseat Ruby Walsh following a bad jump at the second fence.
With Walsh still recovering from injury McCoy has taken the ride and much is expected of the horse following a recent breathing operation and decent victory at Wincanton last month.
There is concern over the three-mile trip but the potential for soft ground is not considered problematic.
Meanwhile, trainer Philip Hobbs is looking for another success in the race, which as become one of his favourites. He has two horse entered, Quinz and Mostly Bob, and both are considered to have a chance of victory. Hobbs has won the race in the past with Gunther McBride, Farmer Jack and Dr Leunt, and the bookmakers have installed Quinz as second favourite at 13/2. There will be concern if ground conditions soften too much but a good challenge is expected.
Of the other runners entered Nacarat, winner in 2009 and runner-up last year, is attracting plenty of attention but a wide open race is anticipated.
