February 25 / 15.25 Newcastle

15.25

Good To Soft

Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £41624
  • 4m 1f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
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Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

5/2 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.40

Form: -66873

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Placed in major handicaps (3m, 4m and 3m5f) on last three starts last term, never-nearer second in the Scottish National on second occasion; the last of those performances came off a 13lb higher mark than he has today, which reflects a run of modest results this term but soft ground may have been against him on last two outings and he now steps back up from 3m; one to note for trainer who won this race last year and a good handicap last Saturday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

4th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:03 Fakenham

Kittys Light

10st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

Won three valuable marathons in a row in 2022-23 campaign and was honourable fifth in Grand National the following season; never really got going in 2025-25 but returns from 471-day absence on a tempting mark and will be suited by the forecast good ground; market helpful.

14/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last

12/1

5th

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

13:05 Ascot

Kittys Light

11st 9lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, raced in last, not fluent 4th, outpaced when mistake 14th, no impression

12/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: F1D1-3F

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 10yo who was first past the post in his first four chases (3m-3m5f, soft/heavy); 11-2, well held in fifth when he fell four out in the Welsh National at Chepstow (3m6f, soft) with first-time cheekpieces this term; absent two months since and this looks a good mark on peak form; while last season's wins suggest that heavy ground would be ideal, this new trip should be a plus.
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

12/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 11-212

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Very good progress since joining Sam England in autumn 2021; latest win came when he made most and rallied gamely for narrow verdict at Haydock (3m4f, soft) in November; showed he stays 3m5f when second at Bangor (good to soft) 15 days ago and this trip may well help with further improvement, which is needed from 2lb out of the handicap but he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

3m 7f 76y

Class 2

14:15 Musselburgh

No Cruise Yet

10st 4lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

took keen hold, in touch with leaders on inner

16/1

4th

2

11th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 214y

Class 3

14:30 Catterick

No Cruise Yet

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Prominent-racer who went very close in the Durham National at Sedgefield (3m5f, soft) on reappearance and again ran well when third at Newcastle (2m7f, heavy) last month; stamina is a strong suit and he's respected.

4/1

3rd

2

14th Dec 2023

Heavy

2m 7f 91y

Class 4

12:30 Newcastle

No Cruise Yet

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Stays further but that may be no bad thing in the conditions and he reappeared with a near-miss in the Durham National (3m5f, soft) in October; ran well in the Eider here in February and he's firmly in calculations.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1-6216

Last run: 21 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Visored last five outings; career-best form when second and first in Grade 3 handicaps over 3m3f/3m2f on good ground at Cheltenham in November/December; hampered at the start and no show last season in the Welsh National on sole attempt at a marathon trip, but the Cheltenham runs suggested he would stay further; also needs to bounce back from a lesser show at Sandown three weeks ago, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Evas Oskar

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Running well in the 2023 Grand National when he unseated at the 21st; confined to only four runs in the meantime and he'll need to find plenty on his recent hunter chase exploits (narrowly beaten by Captain Tommy last time).

33/1

9

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Evas Oskar

12st 0lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Running well in the 2023 Grand National when he unseated at the 21st; confined to only four runs in the meantime and he'll need to find plenty on his recent hunter chase exploits (narrowly beaten by Captain Tommy last time).

33/1

2nd

3

5th Mar 2025

Good

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

17:00 Catterick

Evas Oskar

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

prominent, went second 5th, pushed along after 5 out, outpaced and lost second 3 out, soon ridden, rallied and went second again last, stayed on and challenging towards finish, just held

7/4

Form: 4P-851 C

Last run: 58 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 10yo, best efforts in the mud; two chase wins at Carlisle in November 2020; not so good since but his best result in that period was on latest start when grinding out a narrow win at Kelso (3m2f, heavy); it could still be that major stamina tests will suit but he failed to prove it in two attempts on good to soft last term, including when 22l sixth in this race; has 13lb lower mark this time around and first-time headgear.
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

Form: P-0PF7 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Career peak when winning the Scottish National in April 2021 off 12lb higher, rounding off an excellent season; nothing resembling that since, taking a step back in the right direction on latest start (ridden by claimer Patrick Wadge) but he needs a great deal better than that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Mighty Thunder

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Won this race in 2021 but not remotely in the same form since; latest start was probably his best form this term but he had a remote view of Elvis Mail nevertheless and is 3lb out of the handicap today.

16/1

5th

7

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Mighty Thunder

10st 8lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

midfield on outer, in touch with leaders 4th

12/1

6th

5

25th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

15:25 Newcastle

Mighty Thunder

11st 4lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Career peak when winning the Scottish National in April 2021 off 12lb higher, rounding off an excellent season; nothing resembling that since, taking a step back in the right direction on latest start (ridden by claimer Patrick Wadge) but he needs a great deal better than that.

25/1

Form: 1-1654

Last run: 25 days

W: 10st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced for his age; gained all three chase wins at Carlisle, the latest on seasonal debut in October (3m2f, soft; 2lb higher today); not in the same form in his three starts since and a move away from soft ground would be a worry; this longer trip may well be a big positive, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

26th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 6f 121y

Class 3

14:05 Perth

Houston Texas

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Nicky Richards

Won 3m/3m2f handicaps on testing ground last year but has been struggling of late and cheekpieces didn't work wonders for him last time; no headgear here but others have more pressing claims.

10/1

Form: 13-682 C

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Made excellent progress when switched to chasing last season, with four wins on a range of ground at about 2m7f/3m and the first two were at this track; not proven beyond that, despite trying about 3m2f last April and October, but he's worth another go and surged back to his best when second of four at Kelso six weeks ago; wears headgear first time; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

17th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:20 Kelso

Bavington Bob

12st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Ann Hamilton

prominent, lost position gradually from 10th, pushed along 13th, outpaced 4 out

7/2

6th

5

25th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 2f 39y

Class 2

15:35 Kelso

Bavington Bob

11st 0lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Ann Hamilton

midfield on outer

16/1

3

18th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 3

15:25 Newcastle

Bavington Bob

11st 12lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Ann Hamilton

in rear on outer

8/1

Form: PP-227

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Stays 3m2f well but pulled up when attempting 3m5f last March (had wind surgery not long afterwards); returned with two close seconds in December (3m/3m2f, soft); for one who makes the running or races prominently, nearly unseating his rider at the first fence probably explains his no-show on latest start; not entirely dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

6

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

in touch with leaders

12/1

3rd

2

6th Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Uttoxeter

Shanty Alley

11st 11lb

J: Jack Quinlan

T: Ben Case

Without a win since January 2021 and he hasn't really been threatening this winter, especially so at Doncaster most recently when the first beaten (3m, soft); wouldn't be the percentage call.

9/1

Form: P-PP21

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Back from hurdling and looked back to his best when making most to win six-runner North Yorkshire National at Catterick (3m6f, heavy; jumped well) in good style on latest start, his second in six days; that was only his fourth run over fences under rules and he has something to prove in this more competitive chase; also back up 8lb but any possibility of good ground is the chief concern; highly respected if the ground is okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

15:13 Catterick

Bushypark

12st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

12yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he ran his best race for some time when fourth at Carlisle (3m2f, soft) in November and when seventh at Ayr last time he was back up in grade; his mark continues to fall and this front-runner, who has won here, could make a bold bid.

11/2

Form: P-5U31 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 10st 11lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2021 off 14lb higher; wind surgery before a partial revival this winter and he followed his third to Bushypark at Catterick last month with a strong-staying win over 3m there 13 days later; visored for those last two starts; back up 5lb but of far more concern is that all his significant form is on soft or heavy; big shout if the ground is okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

22nd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Sams Adventure

11st 13lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Pulled up in the Eider last month and unseated at the first fence at Carlisle on Sunday; however, before those he won at Catterick (3m1f, soft) in January and is proven over marathon trips; not written off.

10/1

6

19th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:35 Carlisle

Sams Adventure

10st 7lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Didn't jump well enough when pulled up in the 4m1f Eider, a race he won two seasons ago; will be happier on this softer ground and he won well at Catterick the run before (3m1f, soft; 4lb lower) in second-time cheekpieces.

5/1

8

25th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

4m 1f 56y

Class 2

15:25 Newcastle

Sams Adventure

10st 11lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Brian Ellison

Won this in 2021 off 14lb higher; wind surgery before a partial revival this winter and he followed his third to Bushypark at Catterick last month with a strong-staying win over 3m there 13 days later; visored for those last two starts; back up 5lb but of far more concern is that all his significant form is on soft or heavy; big shout if the ground is okay.

13/2

Form: P-P952 BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 10st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 124

Form & Verdict
Out of sorts last term and reportedly lame when pulled up in the Scottish National (16-1); remote when he tried 3m5f at Sandown (80-1) in December this term and those are his only two attempts at a marathon trip; a bit more like it on last two outings (in two-runner race last time) but he needs something a fair bit closer to his form of spring 2021.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

One More Fleurie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ian Williams

led at steady pace, headed 3 out, soon ridden and lost position, weakened before 2 out, tailed off

7/1

5th

2

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

One More Fleurie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Ian Williams

led at steady pace, headed 3 out, soon ridden and lost position, weakened before 2 out, tailed off

7/1

Form: 2/34-3

Last run: 57 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Had a long absence before last season and ran pretty well in those two chases, better than on latest reappearance (second favourite); down the weights (peak efforts were in 2019 and 2020) but never having raced beyond 3m as a chaser confirms he has a lot to prove, notwithstanding his second over 3m2f as a hurdler; wears headgear first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

19th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

14:40 Cheltenham

Young Bull

11st 9lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Harry Whittington

Well beaten in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Exeter last month and now 0-6 over fences; on a good mark now but would appeal more on slower ground and needs to turn a corner.

12/1

4th

6

26th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

14:52 Exeter

Young Bull

11st 2lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Harry Whittington

Hasn't seen much racing since 2019; finished a well-held third at Haydock (2m5f, soft) on his only run this season and is still seeking a first success over fences (0-5); probably has to find something for the cheekpieces if he's to put that right.

5/1

8

11th Mar 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Young Bull

11st 2lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: Harry Whittington

Form: P1P-P6

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
3m4f winner in April in the last two editions of the West Wales National at Ffos Las (on good to soft/good) but not so good when he's tried 3m6f-4m; may have needed his one run this winter and he's almost back to his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Amateur

10st 10lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: John & Rhys Flint

Last four victories all gained over Ffos Las's 3m4f trip in April or May (good, good to soft); present attainment level is conjectural, having survived just two fences on his recent first outing since last May.

25/1

1

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Amateur

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases, with an excellent record at Ffos Las but pulled up on all four appearances over these fences (twice in Welsh National); he's now a 13yo with no win since May 2024 (his only race under Edward Vaughan) but some ability remained last spring when last seen and he's accelerating down the weights.

12/1

3rd

4

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Amateur

11st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases and faces an easier task than on some occasions; two decent efforts when fifth of eight at Newbury (3m2f, soft) and 21l last of three at Haydock (3m4f, good) in March but was well beaten at Perth last time; others preferred.

10/1

Form: -44F13

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won five in a row over hurdles last season (2m5f-3m2f) on varied ground; sent over fences this term, with cheekpieces on last three starts and career-best form when he won by a neck at Exeter (3m, heavy) on penultimate occasion; form dipped on latest, whereas this requires a new high, but he idled in front for the latest win and a major stamina test looks interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

In Rem

10st 13lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Five-time hurdle winner but much less prolific as a chaser, and seemingly on the downgrade now; fell at first fence when tried in blinkers this month; usual cheekpieces are refitted here; others have more pressing claims.

33/1

17

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

In Rem

10st 13lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Five-time hurdle winner but much less prolific as a chaser, and seemingly on the downgrade now; fell at first fence when tried in blinkers this month; usual cheekpieces are refitted here; others have more pressing claims.

33/1

1

16th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Worcester

In Rem

11st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Sole chase win came over 3m at Exeter (heavy; from 12lb higher) on New Year's Day 2023; weakened, finishing down the field (beaten 27l) on recent Warwick seasonal reappearance; now dropping in trip, into a Class 5 in newly applied blinkers.

14/1

Non-runners

Bushypark, Young Bull

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.50
Straight Forecast £19.92
Tricast £86.50
Trifecta £148.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Kitty's Light

WEST COUNTRY:

In Rem

D Express:

Houston Texas

POSTDATA:

Bushypark

Daily Record:

Bavington Bob

TOPSPEED:

Shanty Alley

RP Ratings:

Kitty's Light

Telegraph:

Kitty's Light

The Guardian:

Kitty's Light

Daily Mail:

Kitty's Light

Daily Mirror:

Kitty's Light

The Sun:

Kitty's Light

The Times:

In Rem

The Star:

In Rem