Two good chases in the “Eider” and “Betbright” catch the attention today and hopefully we can find the winner in both. The Eider chase is up first at 2:55 in Newcastle run over 4m1f on heavy ground. That is one true stamina test and like the recently launched cycling event in Newcastle could be aptly called “The Hell of the North East”. I think a recent dual winner in Sun Cloud is not been given due recognition for his last win especially and is overprices at 8/1. He is just seven years old but has proved last time he can handle todays ground and distance. Yes he has been hiked another 12lbs but should be capable of shouldering 11-2 in this higher class race. There are four places on offer with all bookmakers so he is a great each way punt and is on the upgrade as this is just his sixth chase start.
Selection: 1/2 point *EW Sun Cloud Newcastle 14:55 at 8/1 generally 4 places
Elsewhere at Kempton an hour later almost (3:50) in the Betbright Chase they have it a tab easier running over just three miles. However, this is a Grade 3 handicap chase worth 57k to the winner. Paul Nicholls saddles the likely favourite in Bury Parade but he’s not for me despite winning easily last time out at just 5/1. Grandioso finished second in the same race won by Bury Parade and should be capable of beating his stable mate over todays extended trip and conditions. So are we backing Grandioso? No, it’s the third Nicholls trained horse that is way overpriced in Jump City. He ran a cracker two starts ago when second to the classy old timer Planet of Sound and races today off the same 132 mark. Harry Derham rides and his very useful 3lb claim makes life easier. The key to Jump City is the larger field size which should enable him to get a nice lead into the race. He saw too much daylight when beaten by Planet of Sound and that scenario should be avoided today. Ground conditions are fine and 20/1 looks way too big.
Selection: 1/2 point *EW Jump City Kempton 15:50 at 20/1 Stanjames or 18/1 Betvictor
Best of Luck,
Nicky
