The race is a Grade 3 steeplechase run over 3m5 1/2f that features the true stayers, many of whom have lofty ambitions for the Grand National at Aintree. With 20 forecast runners, I’m looking for a plodder who’ll revel in the soft ground and will hopefully fill in one of the 4 places offered by the UK bookmakers. Let’s have a look at the top of the betting to see if any of them are worthy of our hard-earned cash.

11/2 Nenuphar Collonges

Is in great form and has been ‘crying out’ for a test of stamina. Won a Grade 1 at the Festival and I have made no secret before on this blog that I am happy for Choc Thornton to carry my money to victory. He’ll carry 10-6 which may be too much.

6/1 Mon Mome

I’m really interested in this one for Venetia Williams as he is well in the weights according to the figures after his recent win at the Boylesports Cheltenham meeting. He battled on well to beat Star de Mohaison that day and came 10th in the 2008 National behind Comply or Die. The jockey claims 3lb, so this looks like a decent bet going by the form.

9/1 High Chimes

Kept on well in the Hennessy, which should see him in good nick for this test. The current mark is a bit of a concern, but I was at Ascot last Friday to see Deep Purple win a promising chase for the same trainer-jockey combo. Will love the ground and should be considered.

10/1 Officier de Reserve

The Pricewise antepost selection is one for the Nicholls-Walsh team. I told you how there were doubts emerging about the recent performance of the Paul Nicholls yard, but Kauto Star and Nozic both hosed up on Boxing Day. This horse looks unexposed, but I don’t think it’s up to this test.

10/1 Notre Pere

Stays well on the ground but isn’t on an ideal mark, meaning that I’m looking elsewhere. Was a creditable 3rd in the Irish National this year.

10/1 Halcon Genelardais

2006 winner will be partnered again by Wayne Hutchinson. Top weight is a huge burden but he didn’t seem to mind too much when losing the 2007 edition by a head, when he arguably would’ve won had it not been for a mistake at the last fence. 10/1 is a great price for a horse that was 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

13/1 Miko De Beauchene

Won it last year but to be honest I’d rather be on Halcon because Miko will be 17lb worse off this time. Could grab a place at best.

Of those running at big prices I like Cornish Sett at 33/1 – partnered by the capable Nick Scholfield who claims 5lb. The horse ran well in the National this year until the final few fences and won a decent race at Wincanton last time out.

Recommendation:

1pt win 6/1 Mon Mome

1pt each way 33/1 Cornish Sett

Welsh National Betting

Lexus Chase (Sunday)

We tipped Rebecca Adlington at 10/3 just 2 days ago here, saying that:

I can see her being popular with female voters, and her 2 medals represent an incredible triumph for Britain in the pool. She has had a swimming pool named after her in Mansfield, and I think that she deserves the BBC award on merit.

I have great respect for the money, and will be glad to see Adlington win BBC Sports Personality of the Year. So will a Betfair customer who put £4 on her at 999/1! Incidentally, Lewis Hamilton has been eased from 4/6 to 11/10.

Latest BBC Sports Personality of They Year Betting

We did well to swerve the Carling Cup last night because Burnely and Derby both caused upsets. Tonight there’s Watford v Spurs in the and Man U v Blackburn in the Carling Cup, neither of which are tempting. Punters have supported Blackburn from 13/2 into 11/2, but I won’t be having them. Nor will I take 4/5 on a Man City triumph against PSG, because of the Group A standings.

If the gossip at Bookies Blog Towers is anything to go by, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Betting could hold some value. The bookies have it as a 3 horse race, and any winner other than the ones we’re featuring would go down as an incredible turn of events. Let’s have a look at the 3 markets principals:

4/6 Lewis Hamilton

Remember that this award isn’t about who you thought had the best sporting year, it’s ultimately a public vote. Lewis is the hot favourite this year, and Ladbrokes have reported 5-figure bets. The award was won by Damon Hill in 1994, even though he didn’t capture the Driver’s Championship. Lewis Hamilton has had a rough time of it this year, and has had to come through racism and barmy stewards’ decisions. He should receive plenty of votes across Britain for his title, not just from the petrol-heads.

10/3 Rebecca Adlington

The first British woman to win an Olympic Gold medal in the swimming pool since 1960, and she certainly has more ‘personality’ than Lewis. I can see her being popular with female voters, and her 2 medals represent an incredible triumph for Britain in the pool. She has had a swimming pool named after her in Mansfield, and I think that she deserves the BBC award on merit, as the Olympics only come every 4 years. After all, Hamilton is a tax evader and has the opportunity to win the drivers’ championship on a yearly basis.

5/1 Chris Hoy

The first Brit to win 3 gold medals at the Olympics since 1908, Chris Hoy was one of the main factors behind Britain’s gold rush last summer. Full credit to him for his achievements, but I cannot see a cyclist taking the award on 14 December. Let’s hope that he doesn’t split the Adlington’s Olympian vote, because it would play into Lewis’ hands.

Others nominated:

66/1 Joe Calzaghe

100/1 Andy Murray

200/1 Rebecca Romero

200/1 Christine Ohuruogu

200/1 Nicole Cook

250/1 Ben Ainslie

Recommendation:

I am tempted to lay Lewis Hamilton for small stakes at 1.7 on Betfair, but I’ll bet Adlington because I cannot see Chris Hoy winning.

1pt 10/3 Rebecca Adlington

bookies.com is a great source for comparing odds on specials markets, and there are plenty around at the moment:

BBC SPOTY Betting

I’m a Celebrity Betting

X Factor Betting

Christmas Snow Betting

Strictly Come Dancing Betting

Spanish Big Brother Betting