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What they said: The leading contenders at the Valspar Championship talk ahead of the final round

Just 18 holes to play at the Innisbrook Resort – can front runners Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns stay clear of the chasing pack?

It was a two-horse race and is now a three-horse race.
Or is it?
Can the chasing pack impact on the leaders in the final round of the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook?
The last three holes are known as 'The Snake Pit' and in round three the stretch revealed its venom.
Sam Burns and Keegan Bradley had started the day four shots clear of the field and ended it just one stroke ahead of a charging Max Homa.
Burns dropped two shots in the Snake Pit, Bradley one, and the potential for it to bite will keep the field interested as they mount their challenge on Sunday.
Nor is the predatory theme limited to the course.
Bradley has had his problems with a lead in the past and Burns was chased down by Homa at this year's Genesis Invitational.

Bradley is rated a 2/1 shot by Paddy Power, with Burns and Homa both 5/2.

Don't discount Joaquin Niemann. The Chilean, who proved he could go low when carding 64 to force a playoff in January's Tournament of Champions, is four shots back in a tie for fourth and priced 25/1 with BetFred.

Here's what the leading contenders had to say after the third round.

Keegan Bradley - T1st on 14-under

"Today could be my best rounds of the tournament so far, I just didn't hole the putts that I've been making the first two rounds. But I still shot 69 and I'm still tied for the lead, so all good.
"It was playing the toughest of the three days today. Those holes coming in, the greens really started to get firm and I hit perfect shots. Every shot I hit was right where I wanted it. Whether it was 15 feet left of the flag or wherever, I really hit the ball nicely.
"I know I can do it, I know I've been up here and won some big tournaments in my career. I feel like if I go out tomorrow and stick to my process, I can have a chance coming down the end."

Best price 2/1 with Paddy Power.

Sam Burns - T1st on 14-under

"I think I played really well. Got off to a great start. The late bogeys? I thought I hit a really good tee shot on 16, it just snuck through the fairway there and found a bad spots. And 18 it just kicked dead left into a bad lie in the bunker and plugged on the next one.
"I can't change anything from today. Tomorrow will be a fresh start. We'll work our process and try to take care of business. I think every opportunity is something you can learn from. It's not a matter of winning or losing, it's a matter of going out there and seeing what golf is going to teach me that day.
"The course is changing quickly. You could see it when we started the back nine, the greens completely changed, a lot more bounce to them, especially when the wind blew a little. Just managing the ball around the golf course, putting it in the right spots will be important tomorrow."

Best price 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Max Homa - 2nd on 13-under

"Everything felt really in control. My best ball striking day for sure today. Didn't hit a ton of greens but only one time did I feel like I was out of position. Struck the ball well, kept making putts. It was fun.
"It's funny, when I first turned pro I was comfortable in these positions. Then I had a kind of a dry spell for a while, but I've kind of been in this position a few more times recently and I feel like the old me is back, mentally. Obviously the game can fluctuate, but my head's in a good spot week-to-week and when I put myself in a spot like I have this week I feel ready, comfortable and accepting of what happens.
"The biggest part of today was playing patient, not worrying too much about what everybody was doing, just trying to shoot the lowest score we could. I really like how we're playing the golf course. Just have to execute and see what happens."

Best price 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Joaquin Niemann - T4th on 10-under

"Three days of really solid golf, a lot of good shots. A few that haven't been great, but I saved par well. Overall, pretty happy how I'm playing and giving myself a chance for tomorrow.
"(The leaders are) playing great. I know if I want to win I've got to hit a really low one. I'll be focused on that.
"My comfort level here is good. You've got to hit it both ways. There's not many drivers out there. You've got to put the ball in play and have a good iron game."

Best price 25/1 with BetFred.

READ MORE: Late slips from leaders gives chasing pack hope: Final round preview of the Valspar Championship

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