15:15 Newcastle

Saturday 27 February 2021

All13:3514:1014:4515:1515:5016:2517:00

Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:18 | Winning time: 9m 5.4s

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Selected odds by:

Crosspark⁵⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 150| CD

8/1

Game winner of this contest in 2019 and right back in the groove this season, finding only one too good for a fourt consecutive start at Sandown (3m) last month. High on the shortlist.

Form:

The Dutchman^t⁶³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean Quinlan| T: T Davidson| OR: 145

16/1

Likeable chaser for Colin Tizzard and proving just as good for new yard, runner-up at Haydock before taking heavy fall four out when still in front at Wetherby latest. Well in the mix.

Form:

Sam's Adventure^p³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Henry Brooke| T: B Ellison| OR: 139| C

15/2

Right back on song when bagging Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock but let down by his jumping for first time when unseated rider 12th there last month. Significantly up in trip here, however.

Form:

Big River^p,t⁴⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 139

8/1

Wins over fences have come in small fields, but he does have some good efforts to his name in big-field handicaps and wasn't disgraced when eighth in Welsh National at Chepstow last time. Respected.

Form:

Springfield Fox^p1²³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: David Bass| T: T R George| OR: 135

10/1

Unbeaten in points and ready winner of first 2 chases last winter. Respectable return over hurdles but twice pulled up back in this sphere at Chepstow since so questions to answer with cheekpieces on.

Form:

Cyclop^p,t³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-8| J: B S Hughes| T: M Sheppard| OR: 132| BF

10/1

Rejuvenated this term for Tom Symonds when a three-time winner. 13/8, ridden more patiently when below-par third on yard bow in 3m2f handicap at Wincanton last time. Has career-high mark to overcome.

Form:

Crossley Tender³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Henderson| OR: 125

11/2

Enjoying fine season, and he recorded win number four at Exeter (3m) before good third off 8 lb higher at Ascot last month. Has his stamina to prove but not dismissed lightly in current mood.

Form:

Salty Boy^p⁵⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 124

9/2

Useful ex-Irish hurdler/chaser who has progressed steadily for new yard this term, staying-on sixth in Sussex National at Plumpton (3m4f) last time. Stiffer test here should really suit. Interesting.

Form:

Strong Economy^p1⁴⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: I A Duncan| OR: 121

12/1

Made it 2-3 this season when getting up late in 3m3f handicap chase at Ayr last month. 3 lb out of the handicap but promises to be suited by this longer trip so needs considering with cheekpieces on.

Form:

Haul Us In^p⁹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Blair Campbell⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 120

66/1

Opened chase account at Uttoxeter last term and signed off with good second at Newcastle (2½m). Probably needed run at Bangor on return but yet to race beyond 3m1f and 4 lb "wrong" in weights too.

Form:

Little Red Lion^b,t³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 119

13/2

Scored twice over fences and (blinkered) back over hurdles in 3m Chepstow handicap latest having fallen in Wetherby chase time before. 5 lb out of the handicap but no forlorn hope now upped in trip.

Form:

Friends Don't Ask⁸⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Max Kendrick⁽³⁾| T: Martin Smith| OR: 97

66/1

9/1, gained breakthrough win upped in trip in 3m5f handicap chase at Fakenham in November. Very stiff task facing him now though from 27 lb out of the handicap.

Form:

Forecasts

Salty Boy (9/2), Crossley Tender (11/2), Little Red Lion (13/2), Sam's Adventure (15/2), Big River (8/1), Crosspark (8/1), Cyclop (10/1), Springfield Fox (10/1), Strong Economy (12/1), The Dutchman (16/1), Haul Us In (66/1), Friends Don't Ask (66/1)

A wide-open renewal of the Eider. SALTY BOY has been brought along steadily for new connections and this gutsy chaser is well worth siding with now he gets the chance to tackle a marathon trip. Crosspark took this event when it was last run in 2019 and another bold showing is on the cards given his fine recent form, while Strong Economy and Little Red Lion are outsiders worth a second look too.