Pere surprise Betfair entry

Notre Pere

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Notre Pere could take on Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday after appearing amongst 13 acceptors on Monday.

One of the most progressive chasers of last season, Jim Dreaper's eight-year-old fell on his reappearance at Down Royal earlier this month.

However, the Irish trainer wants to get his charge back in action as soon as possible with Haydock the most likely target.

"Notre Pere is a possible runner for the Betfair Chase as things stand," Dreaper said. "He came out of his fall at Down Royal fine and it was just one of those things that can happen in racing.

"We will do a more serious schooling session on Tuesday - his jumping seems to be fine - and we will delay a final decision until after that.

"At the moment, there is a good chance that he will come over to Haydock Park, especially if the ground is soft.

Competitive

"I wouldn't be concerned about taking on Kauto Star - we need to get Notre Pere running after that blip the other day. We could wait until the Hennessy, which is always a very competitive race, but we are inclined to go for the first race that is available to him."

Kauto Star will be going for a third victory in the race and could be taken on by The Queen's Barbers Shop, although trainer Nicky Henderson is also considering the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week.

"We are certainly keeping one eye on the Hennessy, where, if Denman runs, Barbers Shop would be able to run off 10st 8lb," said the trainer.

"At Haydock, he would be competing off level weights with Kauto Star."

Madison Du Berlais, winner of last year's Hennessy and Totesport Bowl, could represent David Pipe while Jonjo O'Neill's Albertas Run and the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Imperial Commander are expected to take part.

Tidal Bay is a fascinating entry for Howard Johnson, Alan King has entered Halcon Genelardais while Nacarat, Nozic, Rambling Minster, Seymour Weld and The Sawyer complete the list of possibles.

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: "The outstanding staying chaser of his generation is now rising 10 and his reputation has not scared off some smart rivals in what looks a stronger renewal on paper this year at the six-day stage."

The going is expected to ride soft at the weekend with plenty of rain forecast to hit the course during the week.

"We've had something like 17 millimetres of rain over the weekend," said clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright. "The forecast is wet. There's rain most days, particularly Thursday and Saturday.

"I don't think it will have any effect in spoiling the event. We can take what's forecast and I would hope that it will not cause any defectors.

"You've got to assume the going will be soft at the weekend."