There are only five people lined up for this season of Old Roan Chase, but the remaining five look ready to perform.

The past few years this race has been ruined by the low sun.

This means that all three home fences cannot be jumped directly at home, turning the race into a buffer of sorts.

However, the line-up of two former Grade 1 winning chasers along with last season’s runner-up adds to the depth of the race.

But don’t be surprised if there is a shock result here, because three of the last four winners were SP 25/1, 16/1 and 18/1.

Now let’s take a deeper look at the five runners-up for 2024 Old Roan Chase and the best online bookmakers to ensure your next bet is a winner.

Old Roan Chase – Runner by runner betting guide

Now it’s time to take an in-depth look at the runners of the Old Roan Chase. best horse racing bookmakers to help you make a winning bet.

2 Stage Stars

• Age:8
• Format: 5/1P5-
• Rating: 163
• Jockey: Harry Cobden
• instructor: Paul Nicholls
• Odds: 11/8

The former Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase winner of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival appears to have recovered from last season’s ongoing excitement in the final two runnings of the season.

He started last season’s November meeting at Cheltenham with a flawless win in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase. However, he fell back at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day when he was sent off the 11/10 favorite for the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase.

He was given a break after this and was sent fresh to the Festival, but was unsuccessful and only finished a very good fifth in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase.

If he breaks the trend of his consistent form, he could pose a danger to everyone.

But given the stable’s current form, I’d leave it to run at the current price.

A former Grade 1 chase winner
Ahoy gets weight from Senor
Good seasonal spawn record

His coach is out of shape
Poor record at Aintree

Star Rating:

Bet on Stage Star with talkSPORT BET

4 Minella Drama

• Age: 9
• Format: 2372P-
• Rating: 149
• Jockey: Brian Hughes
• instructor: Donald McCain
• Odds: 7/2

Minella Drama ran a big race in 2023 and took second place with 155 points.

He comes here on a much lower score of 148, which is two pounds lower than his last winning mark. This gives him a chance to run in another big race.

Like Ahoy Senor, Minella Drama saved some of her best performances for Aintree.

He was last seen moving up in the Grade 1 Melling Chase won by Jonbon, but before that he was an excellent second (by six lengths from third) to Thunder Rock in the Listed bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso.

This will definitely be Minella Drama’s early season goal and should be available at first request.

His only worry is that if he uses his usual front-running tactics, Ahoy will take Senor with him.

But in general, the chances of reaching these places again are quite high.

A good record at Aintree
Second place in last year’s renewal
With a much lower score

Will be taken to leadership
There is still a chance to be in the top two.

Star Rating:

Bet on Minella Drama with BetMGM

1 Hello, Senor

• Age: 9
• Format: P4362-
• Rating: 169
• Jockey: Derek Fox
• instructor: Lucinda Russell
• Odds: 9/2

There is no doubt that Aintree is where Ahoy Senor performs at his best.

Ahoy Senor won the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices Chase in his four Grade 1 starts at Aintree and is yet to finish outside the top three in three other starts.

She chased home beaten three-time Grand National winner Noble Yeats, multiple Grade 1 winner Shishkin and reigning Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe.

Here the burden of top weight is rightfully on him, having to concede up to 19lbs against two rivals.

As we know, he has his own style of working and tends to leave his impression, but the way things go he is a first class chaser.

When it’s fresh, its track record will be a bit worrying. He is yet to earn his debut on his form numbers. 2UR5PU4.

That’s worrying, but given she’s now turned ten, Lucina Russell could put her further ahead than ever to claim this early season award at the track she loves.

If that’s the reason, it might be worth taking a chance to see if Ahoy Senor can buck the trend.

Good course registration in 1st grades
A proper 1st Class artist

Have to lose a lot of weight
We haven’t won yet at the return of the season

Star rating:

Bet on Ahoy Senor with Spreadex

3 Hitmen

• Age:8
• Format: 09283-
• Rating: 157
• Jockey: Freddie Gingell
• instructor: Paul Nicholls
• Odds: 9/2

Hitman has become a talking horse since he stepped onto the race track. But despite all the talk, he has only managed three wins from 20 chase starts, with the last of those three coming in November 2022 (Minella Drama is third).

He was sent off as the 7/2 favorite for the 2023 running of the Old Roan Chase but finished 11th furthest by 114 lengths. This is not the first time his constitution has been questioned.

It’s fair to say that there’s only so much he can find in Stage Star, let alone Ahoy Senor, and his weight might not be enough to bring them closer.

There will come a time when he finds his level again, but I can’t see him being here.

While gaining weight

This is a heavy favorite for the 2023 run
He hasn’t won in almost two years

Star rating:

Bet on Hitman with VBET

5 Unexpected Parties

• Age: 9
• Format: 5491P-
• Rating: 149
• Jockey: Harry Skelton
• instructor: Dan Skelton
• Odds: 14/1

He’s the one out of the five runners, but would it be unexpected for the Unexpected Party to win?

not necessarily

He was sent off as the 5/1 second favorite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup won by Stage Star in November last season. Unexpected Party was taking eight pounds from Stage Star that day and is now taking 12 pounds from the same opponent.

There was a considerable gap between them at Cheltenham, but it wouldn’t have been the biggest shock in the world if the Unexpected Party overcame the big chance given the prospect of being primed for this early season goal.

The odds would say he’s out of contention, but he could be involved.

Will probably prepare for this
Earned two chase wins in fields of six or fewer runners

Can do extreme racing
There’s a lot to be found in the ratings

Star Rating:

Bet on the Unexpected Party with Copybet

Old Roan Chase decision

This has the makings of the best chase in Class 2 and let’s hope all the obstacles are overcome. It may have to carry the maximum weight here, but according to the prices, Ahoy senor He is the person you should be with.

As previously mentioned, his course record speaks for itself, and given the possibility of him going further than usual in his seasonal return, it may be hard for him to stop there.

If Stage Star had rushed towards its target, it would have been a great danger to everyone. But Ditchit can go for a run with the form cloud hanging over him.

Minalla Drama seems to be the best of the rest.

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing expert and founder of YouTube Finish Line Podcast. Horse racing is an exciting spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you are a jumping or flat sport enthusiast, I will use my experience working in the horse racing industry to bring you the best that this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).

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