Eider Chase Newcastle 3.25

 

A bit of overnight rain should have taken the sting out of the Good Going and may entice a few wavering about the firmness of the ground to compete.

 

It's a decent quality field if a few down on numbers but many have stamina to be taken on trust.

 

KITTYS LIGHT has been very well backed and with the Yard seemingly back in form and the horses coming right is hard to oppose, especially on Scottish Grand National run last year at similar distance and very similar Going. It's skinny but I strongly suggest a win bet on it.

 

Evas Oskar has a second attempt past 3 miles and 6 furlongs and form at shorter makes it strong opposition if staying, The Galloping Bear is a progressive gorse, a big danger but really would want more cut in the ground and IF they run you'd suspect they would not want to risk the legs of the horse for possible options ahead. Amateur would have a squeak on 3 and a half mile form if staying on down the long straight. In Rem lacks experience but plenty of knowledgeable scribes seem to think he'll improve again for the trip but I'm not sure its quite got the experience yet.

 

I looked long and hard at Rath An Iuir as i have done in all its races this year, it's surely been aimed at the race in which it was 6th last year, the mark has fallen significantly and its one I just left out at the very final reckoning but would be my reserve if a non runner. 

 

Sams Adventure is a former winner of this race and had a confidence boosting win at lower level last time, the stamina is proven and it wouldn't be a great surprise if he nicked an enhanced place. Bavington Bob is very well backed but I can't get over enthused about its chances.

 

The pair at nice odds that I think will give the favourite most to worry about are NO CRUISE YET who gets in off a featherweight and I think the 2lbs out of the handicap is negligible to be frank. Its shown enough at 3 and a half  miles to think this trip is worth a bash and the Yard are fantastic with staying Chasers and bringing on horses and finding the right races. HOUSTON TEXAS is another about whom many have suggested a step up to this type of trip would be ideal, the nemesis (for me) TRainer has actually found me a few winners this term and he's won this race before with a similar profile horse. The conditions would be ideal IF the horse truly stays.