Big Fella Thanks clear favourite for Racing Post Chase

Paul Nicholls’ Big Fella Thanks has leaped to the head of the Racing Post Chase betting markerts after his win in the Sky Chase Bet Handicap in January.

“The past 24 hours have seen Big Fella Thanks backed off the boards,” said David Williams, of the Magic Sign. “His Doncaster win coupled with bullish reports from the Nicholls’ camp have combined to tempt punters into a good old-fashioned plunge.”

Big Fella Thanks price has shortened to 3/1 ahead of Saturday’s Racing Post Chase. Nacarat and Possol, his two closest rivals, are both priced over 10/1 by William Hill.

A win at Kempton Park this weekend could see Big Fella Thanks soar up the betting market for the 2009 Grand National. Weight won’t be an issue for Paul Nicholls’ entry in the National, and a strong performance at Kempton would convert many punters.

Big Fella Thanks won 2 out of 3 starts over hurdles before moving to fences, where he has since taken 1 win and 3 places in 5 starts.