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Willie Mullins has chosen Ballycasey over Champagne Fever as his representative in the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday.
Although longer in the ante-post betting for the Grade 1 contest, Ballycasey gets the nod ahead of his fellow Rich and Susannah Ricci-owned grey, who looks set to stay at home to run in the same day’s Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.
Ballycasey finished fourth in last year's RSA Chase on his only start in Britain and is a best-priced 6-1 chance with the sponsors after being declared in a small but select field of six.Strong support for Ptit Zig in recent days has propelled the Paul Nicholls-trained novice into 2-1 joint-favouritism with Balder Succes, while Ma Filleule, Rajdhani Express and Theatre Guide complete the sextet.
A field of 13, including last year’s winner Rigadin De Beauchene, has been confirmed for the Betfred Grand National Trial on Saturday.
Nicholls is responsible for another favourite with Benvolio topping the sponsor’s market at 5-1. Monbeg Dude (11-2), Samstown (6-1), Benbens and Broadway Buffalo (both 8-1) are the other single-figure contenders for Haydock's stamina-sapping 3m5f contest.
