February 24 / 14.08 Newcastle

14.08

Heavy

Betting.Bet Eider Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £41624
  • 4m 1f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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Betting.Bet Eider Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.20
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 37-111

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery last August and is 3-3 for his new yard since; edged it in a fine duel over 3m2f at Carlisle on first occasion, followed by two wins at about 3m and he drew 11l clear from four out when a heavily backed favourite at Musselburgh on latest; all those were on good to soft but he did well on soft to heavy in Ireland early in career; up another 11lb and markedly in trip too, but he's a rising force and may well have more in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:43 Newcastle

Anglers Crag

10st 4lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Nicky Richards

The final leg of his four-timer for Brian Ellison two winters back was this race off 4lb lower than today; never fired on all cylinders last term but reappeared for new yard in November with a sparkling win, employing new tactics as he made all at Carlisle to come home 9l clear; back up 8lb, so needs to be back at his very best, but he's one for the shortlist.

5/1

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Anglers Crag

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

Has had a patchy campaign and was pulled up in the Midland National last time; however, he showed some spark at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft) in February and is just 1lb higher than when winning the Eider at Newcastle (4m1f, heavy) last season; not ruled out now back down in trip/grade.

8/1

5

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:17 Perth

Anglers Crag

11st 5lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

in rear, outpaced 5 out

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 1-5462

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won at Ffos Las (3m2f, good) last April on final start for Sam Thomas; wore first-time cheekpieces that day and returned to form in second-time blinkers when close second of six to Fenland Tiger here (3m, heavy) last month, rallying after he bungled the final fence; back up 4lb since, plus an extra 4lb today because he's out of the handicap; a big career best is needed but he's relatively lightly raced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Prince Des Fichaux

10st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

midfield

16/1

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Prince Des Fichaux

10st 11lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

midfield

16/1

5th

9

7th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:15 Kelso

Prince Des Fichaux

10st 5lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Ewan Whillans

Nearly won the Eider two seasons ago (beaten by Anglers Crag) and was a 22l fourth in the same race on final outing; he is effective at this trip and could run well with a tongue-tie added.

9/1

8/1

  • Place: £4.20

Form: 424112

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won regional Nationals over 3m4f/3m5f at Fakenham, Sedgefield and Fontwell, the last two in small fields in the mud this autumn; no match for the winner from two out in the Sussex National at Plumpton (same mark as today) seven weeks ago but beat the rest and it was another fine effort; needs a career best but it's easy to think this even longer trip will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

25th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

15:58 Cartmel

Tommie Beau

12st 0lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

No longer the force of old and inconsistent nowadays but he capitalised upon some significant help from the handicapper when winning Norfolk National at Fakenham (3m5f, good) three weeks ago and he is also very well suited by this track.

15/8

1st

3

4th May 2026

Good

3m 5f 24y

Class 3

16:38 Fakenham

Tommie Beau

11st 11lb

J: Benjamin Macey

T: Seamus Mullins

Gained three of his 14 wins here, including 2022 edition of this race, but has regressed and become inconsistent; didn't run badly in last month's Sussex National at Plumpton (3m4f, good; first-time cheekpieces) but younger rivals have much more appealing profiles.

14/1

6th

4

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 104y

Class 2

16:25 Plumpton

Tommie Beau

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Seamus Mullins

He's won here three times and was second in this race in 2024 on his last Plumpton visit; on a reduced mark but this 11yo has struggled to get competitive on his last few starts and needs to turn things around in first-time cheekpieces.

25/1

Form: 2-3181

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Runaway win when upped to 3m5f at Fakenham (soft) just before Christmas; weakened right out of it in the Sussex National next time but bounced straight back with an 8l win under Philip Armson in six-runner race over an extended 3m4f at Fontwell (soft) three weeks later; has a bit further to go here but 5lb rise since last time looks generous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:30 Hexham

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

Ex-Olly Murphy; off the mark for present yard when winning five-runner handicap chase by a short head at Fontwell last time (3m2f, good); up 3lb; interesting.

9/2

1st

2

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

17:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 12lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences Andy Irvine; her last success was in January 2024 but that was at this track (3m3f) and she returned to form with a creditable third over hurdles here (3m2f, soft) last month; that was only her second start since rejoining her former stable and she's in the mix back over fences.

7/1

3rd

4

14th Mar 2026

Soft

3m 1f 166y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Gold Clermont

11st 10lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Andy Irvine

All four wins have came over fences for Andy Irvine; had no joy in three starts for Olly Murphy and rejoined former stable before pulling up at Exeter (3m6f, heavy) last month; bids to exploit 10lb lower mark over hurdles; needs to show more.

5/1

Form: -25122 C BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Sent chasing in October and has been first or second in all but one of his five runs over fences, sticking to his task well (tongue tied first time on latest outing); those best efforts were on good to soft but he did win twice over hurdles on soft and in a bumper on heavy; it's today's trip which gives him the most to prove, as not having gone beyond an extended 2m4f makes this 4m1f race a huge step in the dark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Cruz Control

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Took big step back in right direction when fifth at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) last month, in race he won the previous two seasons; still on a workable mark and has a fighting chance here if first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.

9/4

5th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Cruz Control

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Has failed to show his form in both outings this term but a revival looks highly likely back at Aintree on return from four-month break; 2-2 over fences at this venue, namely wins in this race for the last two years (good/good to soft); had a similar prep when winning by 5l off just 1lb lower 12 months ago; commands respect in the hat-trick attempt.

11/2

Form: 133-17

Last run: 18 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Probably acts on heavy; won at Perth (3m) in 2022 and, after missing all of last year, easily made all at Punchestown (2m3f) last month on sole run for Shark Hanlon; back with Peter Bowen when tailed off at Market Rasen (3m) 18 days ago, 2lb out of the handicap today and last season's respectable show over 3m3f did not shout stamina, so he does not look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

11th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 4

16:55 Hexham

Easy Bucks

11st 9lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

Enhanced his strike-rate over fences to 7-24 with a clearcut win at Perth (3m, good) on his return from more than a year out; didn't get very far at Listowel two weeks ago but was badly hampered by a faller and he was heavily backed in that competitive race; still looks on a workable mark and this admirable veteran is a key player for in-form yard.

7/2

8

27th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 180y

17:05 Listowel

Easy Bucks

11st 6lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Mickey Bowen

Enhanced his strike-rate over fences to 7-24 with a clearcut win at Perth 19 days ago (3m, good) on his return from more than a year out; this will take more winning but if as good again he'll be involved.

5/1

1st

7

8th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:40 Perth

Easy Bucks

10st 11lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

C&D winner last July for a sixth win over fences but has been absent since finishing tailed off later that month; on a good mark and best to let the market guide as to his current wellbeing.

7/1

Form: 4-1311 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
3-4 in handicap hurdles and now 3-4 in handicap chases; did it well over 3m2f at Doncaster and battled back to see off Prince Des Fichaux here (3m, heavy) last time, when the pair finished 21l clear; latest 6lb rise may well underestimate that performance and he surely has further improvement in him; whether he will deliver it over this trip can't be totally assured but he is going places and has to be on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

27th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:35 Newcastle

Fenland Tiger

11st 7lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won this in 2024 (heavy) and he was a promising second at Carlisle (3m, soft) in November 2025 on his second start back from a long absence; tailed off at Haydock since but he was 7lb out of the handicap and made a bad mistake mid-race; he's one to consider now back down in grade.

4/1

Form: 3133-P D

Last run: 111 days

W: 10st 8lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Unraced on heavy in Britain; passed three on the run-in when third in Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (near 4m, good to soft; 2lb lower today) last February, restating her strength in stamina after 6l win in the Borders National at Kelso (extended 4m, soft) the time before; showed little 111 days ago on her only run this term, but she's a huge player if reverting to what she showed last season over 4m and her stable is in good form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

Rated much higher back in the day but she was out of form last season and no sign of turning things around this campaign.

25/1

11

25th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 127y

Class 3

15:52 Perth

Flower Of Scotland

10st 3lb

J: Lewis Dobb

T: Sandy Thomson

in rear

25/1

7

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 4

16:00 Carlisle

Flower Of Scotland

10st 13lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Sandy Thomson

never going well, always behind, pulled up after 9th

7/1

Form: 224-33

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Not the force of old but edging down the weights and a respectable third on both starts this winter; the latest was over an extended 3m7f behind a runaway winner in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (only his second run beyond 2m5f) but he'll need a fair bit better to take this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

19th Apr 2025

Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

17:29 Newton Abbot

Christopher Wood

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Smart hurdler and useful chaser in his prime but on a losing wicket over fences for a long time; perhaps he'll be all the better for a return to hurdles, for the first time in three years, but that's up in the air.

14/1

3rd

3

19th Apr 2025

Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

17:29 Newton Abbot

Christopher Wood

11st 13lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

led

14/1

3rd

4

23rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

15:40 Hereford

Christopher Wood

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Very useful hurdler/chaser in his prime but has regressed and become inconsistent; ran very poorly in Lingfield marathon last month and needs to respond very positively to the addition of blinkers here.

9/1

Form: F2P-P8

Last run: 42 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Had wind surgery last July but made a laboured return in the Welsh National and his Warwick run 17 days ago was also lacklustre, even considering the 3m trip; wore cheekpieces on last three starts last term, then visor/blinkers this season; 5lb claimer is recruited; has big questions to answer regarding current form but this test would suit if he's on his game, as he showed when second in it off the same mark last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:35 Exeter

The Galloping Bear

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Ben Clarke

Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again.

5/2

1

7th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:35 Exeter

The Galloping Bear

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Ben Clarke

Well suited by a slog in the mud and returned to form with keeping-on second in West Wales National at Ffos Las (3m4f, heavy) a week ago; Joe Anderson claims a useful 5lb today; major player if in the right mood again.

5/2

2nd

1

31st Mar 2024

Heavy

3m 3f 208y

Class 3

15:25 Ffos Las

The Galloping Bear

12st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Ben Clarke

prominent, went second omitted 5 out, briefly went third after 4 out, left in second 3 out, stayed on

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 31-35P D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
His first two runs beyond 3m2f resulted in a third in the 2022 Scottish National (4m) and a win in last season's Midlands National at Uttoxeter (4m2f, soft; 3lb higher today); ran respectably on reappearance but two major backward steps have followed, the first on heavy ground and the latest when visored in the 3m5f Classic at Warwick on soft; no stamina doubts but he has a point to prove after those recent runs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Major Dundee

11st 12lb

J: Mr Sam Lee

T: Francesca Poste

Last successful in the Midlands Grand National of 2023; lost his way for Alan King and a beaten favourite in his two recent points; tries blinkers.

4/1

Form: 38-815 C

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 3lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
The new visor (kept since, replacing cheekpieces) worked a treat when he won at Kelso (3m2f, heavy) over Christmas for the second year running; he hasn't sparked that often in the last two years, though, showing little on latest outing; beaten just over 20l when sixth and fifth in the last two Eiders, so others look more solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

14:08 Newcastle

Rath An Iuir

10st 3lb

J: Craig Nichol

T: Rose Dobbin

The new visor (kept since, replacing cheekpieces) worked a treat when he won at Kelso (3m2f, heavy) over Christmas for the second year running; he hasn't sparked that often in the last two years, though, showing little on latest outing; beaten just over 20l when sixth and fifth in the last two Eiders, so others look more solid.

14/1

5th

4

24th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Rath An Iuir

11st 10lb

J: Ciaran O’Shea

T: Rose Dobbin

The new visor worked a treat when winning a 3m2f handicap at Kelso (heavy) over Christmas for the second year running; 4lb rise won't prevent another bold show if he's as good again (not guaranteed).

11/4

Non-runners

Sidi Ismael

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £68.00
Straight Forecast £65.12
Tricast £1031.46
Trifecta £1241.30

Selections

Daily Mirror:

Fenland Tiger

The Times:

Anglers Crag

TOPSPEED:

Cruz Control

SPOTLIGHT:

Flower Of Scotland

RP RATINGS:

The Galloping Bear

POSTDATA:

Christopher Wood

The Sun:

Fenland Tiger

The Star:

Fenland Tiger

Daily Record:

Fenland Tiger

D Express:

Cruz Control

Telegraph:

Anglers Crag

The Guardian:

Anglers Crag

Daily Mail:

Flower Of Scotland

WEST COUNTRY:

The Galloping Bear