Hunter Chase fans will be in their element this weekend as Saturday sees the 50th running of Stratford's Hunter Chase Championship-the Horse and Hound Cup. This is a race which has been won by some of the most promising, high class Hunters around in the past few years such as Teeton Mill, Castle Mane, Torduff Express and Knife Edge to name a few. It shows that you need a classy horse to win this prestigious event.

This year's renewal looks to be strong with the likes of Arctic Copper, Back Nine, Natiain, Sleeping Night and Take The Stand all entered.

     Back Nine recently put up a bold, staying performance to land the Volkswagen Toureg Final at Towcester, but will face sterner opposition this time. Former high class Irish chaser Arctic Copper has been in blinding form in point to points all season and comes here in a rich vein of great form, and despite now taking on much stronger opponents, he must have an ew chance. The prices for those may be worth a look. Horse Racing Betting. Natiain will carry the support of the Northerners as he has taken all of the big Hunter Chases and point to points in that district, whereas former Champion Hunter Sleeping Night could re-light his fire at the age of 12.

However, class counts for a lot and despite the achievements of all of these, none would match to that of Take The Stand's 2nd to Kicking King in the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Yes, that was three years ago, but he is still in great form, and in hunter chases this term has been quite unstoppable. Also a winner of a 4 miler in his younger days, he has the stamina as well as the class, and two wins at Cheltenham recently have brought to light his battling qualities along with his desire to win. He is going for his fourth win on the bounce and with him enjoying this time of year with many visits to the winner's circle, I believe that this big prize should fall his way. online betting.

Selection - 7.20 Stratford (Sat, 24/05)=Take The Stand.