by JACK MILNER, BetVictor The Victor Chandler Chase is a Grade 1 contest with a rich history, and is seen as a prelude to crowning the winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. As such, it seems very apt that the heir apparent Sprinter Sacre is in the field. He will win and it’s only a case of how far.

He had the beating of Sanctuaire and Kumbeshwar by 15 lengths, barely breaking sweat in the Tingle Creek at Sandown. His Excellency, Kinkeel and Idarah were another street behind, and were unable to even canter with the monster.

Mad Moose’s trainer doesn’t know why he is in the race, and Wishfull Thinking got a pasting by Sprinter Sacre in the Arkle. That leaves the fresh meat as Somersby, who beat eventual Champion Chaser Finian’s Rainbow in really gutsy fashion in last year’s Victor Chandler. The nine-year-old loves Ascot and has a tremendous record in the race. He was second to Master Minded in 2011 to match his win here last year and like most horses leaving Henrietta Knight, is expected to improve for the move to Mick Channon. He looks the most likely runner-up in what is expected to be another display of brilliance from Sprinter Sacre, but should at least give him a race.

Sponsors BetVictor have a special Betting without Sprinter Sacre Market, and at 13/8 for Somersby, it looks a very teasing little bet.

Sprinter Sacre looks absolutely bombproof for the Champion Chase, barring an injury, and BetVictor’s Non Runner-Free Bet offer looks like printing money. With Sprinter Sacre being 2/5 the offer looks quite literally like buying money, with a nice insurance policy!