Punters may field against Kauto Star

RACING: HEAVY ground is sure to prevail should this weekend’s Northwest Masters survive the downpours which continue to hit the region.

Don’t be surprised, then, if the mighty Kauto Star goes off at a tempting price for the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Currently trading around the 5-4 mark, the dual Gold Cup winner is the clear form pick, but mud-loving Notre Pere will be a big threat and it is not surprising that he has been backed into 9-4

Madison Du Berlais (6-1) and Imperial Commander (9-1) will have their supporters and the former is certainly of interest given his liking for a flat track and ability to act on most surfaces.

Imperial Commander is a terrific horse fresh, but I suspect his stamina will ebb in the conditions.

Looking further ahead, the one which catches my eye for Sunday’s Becher Chase is Offshore Account at around 9-1.

He jumped the Grand National fences well in April and the return to a shorter trip should be in the favour of this once-classy chaser.

Should Hello Bud take his chance following a good run at Cheltenham last weekend, he would also have solid each-way credentials at 16-1.

This sound jumper’s frontrunning style would keep him out of trouble over the big Aintree fences.