Chepstow best bet (1610): Valirann Gold to hit the jackpot in depleted field

Chepstow 16:10 Aaron James Supporting Pancreatic Cancer Research Handicap Chase (2 miles 3 furlongs 98 yards)

Heavy going has reduced the total going to post from seven to five, but this should be a cracker as the market suggests that we should be in for an exciting race. 

The market's top four are tightly packed with most bookies, with odds for the favourite currently at 2/1, while the fourth favourite is at 7/2. 

At the time of writing, Ballybeen is the market leader and in all of his recent outings he has been in the mix. 

Last time out, he finished third out of four, but his record prior to that is extremely impressive as that race was the first time he failed to find the places since March 2022, almost two years ago. 

Planet Sport Bet Offer: Bet minimum £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Ballybeen wins by over 5 lengths get a £5 free bet

While Ballybeen has been incredibly consistent in recent times, he is still chasing a first career win and we think candidates elsewhere stand a better chance.

Walkinthewoods has also been incredibly consistent, with four seconds in his last six outings, but he has not won a race since May, but he does have experience on his side, having had his last three outings here and on all those occasions the going was heavy.

However, our selection for this one is Valirann Gold, who has had mixed form recently but has had a recent trip to the winners enclosure. 

He was the victor of a handicap chase at Fontwell in February by an impressive eight lengths and the ground there was heavy, similar to what it'll be like at Chepstow when they come to post.

Jockey Ben Godfrey is a solid booking as he has a 21% strike rate in chases this season including the Coral Trophy at Kempton in February, when he led Forward Plan to victory.

However, there are some concerns about Valirann Gold's consistency as that win at Fontwell was sandwiched in between disappointing performances at Lingfield and Exeter. 

While there is plenty of talent elsewhere in the field, Valirann Gold is our pick due to a recent win and performing well when the going is heavy.

Suggested best bet: Valirann Gold in the 16:10 at Chepstow

• Tip advised by Racing Ridge Betting on Tipstrr

Read more: Chepstow racing tips: Best bets for Sunday, March 17