SATURDAY'S Betfair Chase at Haydock would still rank as one of the most fascinating races ever staged at the track even if just two of the seven confirmed entries actually lined up.

There's no chance of that with £200,000 in prize money up for grabs, but the duel between Kauto Star and My Way De Solzen looks something to savour.

The champion, Kauto Star, was unbeaten in six races last season when he also collected a £1m bonus for his owner Clive Smith, thanks to a treble culminating in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham as well as romping home in the Order of Merit, stamping him as the best horse for years.

But the challenger. My Way De Solzen, also has an impressive pedigree.

A Cheltenham Festival winner in successive seasons, the three-mile Ladbrokes World Hurdle in 2006 and the Irish Independent Arkle Chase over two miles last March, this is the longest trip he's ever faced over fences.

But that was just the same for Kauto Star 12 months ago and trainer Alan King is confident that the seven-year-old will see out the trip.

More significantly, My Way will come here for his seasonal bow while Kauto Star has already blown away the cobwebs when a slightly-laboured second to Monet's Garden at Aintree.

Justice

He was beaten by Redemption on his seasonal debut 12 months ago at Wetherby and just lost out to St Matthew at this meeting in 2005.

His trainer, though, is more than capable of getting a horse fit enough to do himself justice at the first time of asking and he can make Kauto Star, the obvious selection, pull out all the stops.

Kauto Star's trainer Paul Nicholls could come away with a lucrative double as he has decided to sidestep the Betfair Chase with his second-string Taranis in favour of the £100,000 Betfair Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle, run over what are, in reality, miniature fences.

Experience over these rare obstacles is obviously an advantage and both the previous winners of this event, Halcon Generlardais, another King-trained horse, and St Matthew, have been entered.

Halcon Generlardais, who went on to win the Welsh National last season, races off a 12lb higher mark, a tough task against a field which could also include last week's Cheltenham winner, Sonnyanjoe.

Air Force One, second to Wichita Lineman at Cheltenham, is worth keeping an eye on for the future.

But Taranis, much better treated by the handicapper over hurdles than fences, looks the pick of the weights this time.

Tips (all Haydock)

Tazbar (12.30)
Grand Bleu (1.05)
Kauto Star (2.05)
King Harald (2.35) Tweet