THERE appears to be a wave of expectation surrounding Jonjo O’Neill this season. Many pundits are tipping him to break the grip that Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have on the trainers’ championship. In fact, people are now referring to the trio as the “big three” in the training ranks (which is a minor insult to the high-flying Philip Hobbs). But if Jonjo is to become top of the tree then he needs the likes of More Of That and Holywell to deliver in the big races. And, of course, the imposing TAQUIN DU SEUIL.

The jet-black seven-year-old was a leading novice chaser last season and his narrow defeat of Uxizandre in the JLT at the Festival is suddenly looking like tip-top form. He has had two runs to get him straight this season and his second in the Charlie Hall Chase was really eye-catching, and he was definitely the one to take from the race. On Saturday we will find out how good he is in the Betfair Chase at Haydock where he really does take on the big boys in the form of last year’s winner Cue Card and Silviniaco Conti.

If he is a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse then Taquin Du Seuil will have to bustle up the big two. Of course, if this was a handicap he would be getting 15lb from the Conti and 13lb from Cue Card so at level weights it is a huge ask for Taquin. But conditions look absolutely perfect for him: he loves soft ground and the galloping track should play to his strengths. In AP McCoy’s absence he also has the not inconsiderable assistance of Barry Geraghty in the saddle. Who better?

Dynaste is another formidable challenger although he was put in his place in this race last year by Cue Card. He did go on to win the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and cannot be discounted on Saturday.

With nine runners, there might be some each-way value. Harry Topper will love conditions and 14/1 looks reasonable place value although Medermit might be of more interest as he ran a cracker in the Charlie Hall where he jumped with all his old enthusiasm and he will enjoy the conditions. An each-way tickle at 20/1 is very tempting.

It is difficult to see Charlie Hall winner Menorah or The Giant Bolster relishing the soft ground although the latter has the habit of outrunning his odds and can never be discounted.

Who do you fancy for the Betfair Chase? Leave a comment below…