Newcastle 2.10 Eider Chase - Handicap - 4 miles 1 and 1/2 furlongs - 18 run - Good to Soft / Soft

 

I looked seriously at 13 of the 18 runners here as it really is a very deep race. That included the pair of Irish raiders, Bodhisattva and History Of Fashion, who our Irish experts both think have respectable chances, of the pair they think History of Fashion is worth a try at the trip but done no favours by the UK handicapper so margin preference from them would be Bodhisattva, although he scrapes in to my top 10.

 

The likes of Lord Rocco, Choosethenews and Collectors Item, take a hike in trip and with so many proven stayers it's too much of a leap of faith for me to back them here. Bretney was not discounted lightly and was just outside my top 5 rated as is Major Dundee who has yet to fire this season but who ticks so many boxes although I think his stablemate has a better chance here. Prince Des Fischaux was runner up in this last year when tipped by me at 11/1 and although I can see him placing again this year it does look a far deeper race. 

 

My top 4 rated in preference order are ANGLER CRAG, winner last year for "Local Hero" Brian Ellison and he would leave the bookies in dire straits if this one can win again. The mood music I hear from some reliable sources is that the horse has been trained to the day, as you'd expect and I anticipate a bold bid. YOUR OWN STORY is an out and out stayer from a Yard with an incredible cv with this type and it will be disappointing if this one is not bang in contention at the business end of the race. GABORIOT was an eye catcher when winning over this trip at Cheltenham in April and actually went into my diary that night for this race. I'm convinced he's another whose campaign has targeted this race and a bold run here would I think see him going to Ayr next time. Finally, Alan KIng, who has had a quiet winter runs EGBERT and I think it's notable that Tom Cannon rides this one and not Major Dundee and that just swings it for me between the pair. (Northern)

 

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Chepstow 2.32 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 7 furlongs - 13 run - Soft

 

I considered both Ballymagroarty Boy and Classic Concorde at 25/1 plus prices on their form here and although both are approaching veteran stage I would not put anyone off a small e/w side bet on either. The recently improved Icare Allen and Guard The Moon are not lightly discounted at the top end of the market but i think that conditions will ideally suit the in form IKRAK and also MINELLA MISSILE, who was very highly tried over an inadequate trip in a top class race last time but who is in calmer waters here and a horse who has a lot of scope at this sort of trip. (Robin)

 

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Kempton 1.15 - A trappy race typical for the Course and i think there may be some early value backed each way in DOYEN QUEST who drops in trip and Class for Skelton and also for the ex Flat horse PUNCTUATION for the Henderson team (RJ)

 

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Fairyhouse 2.15 - SPORTING GLORY could be thrown in here in a Handicap and he is a horse we very much want to discuss tomorrow in the Ante Post segment as he has a few very interesting Cheltenham entries but a good run here is essential! (MG)

 

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Fairyhouse 2.50 - The 2 and a half mile trip should again be ideal for ELUSIVE GUY who has some very solid Course and Distance form and both WESTERNSUNRISE who drops in trip and LORD LARIAT who will come on considerably for a recent Course and Distance run, look very sold each way options in this big field. (Sean)

 

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TRACKERS

 

Newcastle 2.10 Sporting Ace (needs heavy ground)

Fairyhouse 2.15 Glen Kiln

Fairyhouse 3.25 Minella Cocooner

Fairyhouse 4.00 Meyo / Buachaillbocht