TAKE a look at CHECKITOUT (3.15) in the Vertem Eider Chase.
This Newcastle marathon – run over 4m1f – is just the test of stamina Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stayer needs.
He has been progressing nicely and he put in an eye-catching effort over Aintree’s Grand National fences when third behind top mare Snow Leopardess in the Becher Chase.
The way he ran when fifth behind Annsam in the Silver Cup at Ascot confirmed he was desperate for a step up to this sort of distance and he ground it out well to win over 3m4f at Fontwell last month.
The cheekpieces he wears for the first time should also help so the 12-1 on offer looks a good bet. Have 2pts each-way with several bookies paying out on six places.
Saturday’s other big handicap chase is Kempton’s Coral Trophy.
Progressive novice OUR POWER (3.37) is another horse likely to improve for the longer trip.
His wins since switching to fences for new trainer Sam Thomas this season have come over 2m4f.
Both times he was hard at work well before his rivals but his stamina came to the fore when it mattered.
The form of those victories at Wincanton and Huntingdon has worked out nicely and his jumping has been sound. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1 with several bookies paying out on five places.
LYDFORD (4.10) has cheekpieces on for the first time and his trainer Dan Skelton has combined the headgear with a step up in distance.
They are both positive moves for this half-brother of top Flat stayer Big Orange. His illustrious sibling improved for wearing cheekpieces and Lydford is clearly blessed with plenty of stamina.
He twice won novice hurdles earlier in the season and he was just outspeeded after setting only a modest gallop on his handicap debut over 2m at Warwick last time.
Harry Skelton should be able to get a nice lead in this race. Have 2pts each-way at 8-1 with Sky Bet offering four places.
The Skelton brothers also have a decent chance earlier on Kempton’s card in the Sky Bet Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle.
Hot favourite Shallwehaveonemore looks too short in the betting to me and that makes FRERE D’ARMES (3.00) great value.
He’s won his last two starts in good style and he looks the type to handle the rise up to this Grade 2 contest. With eight runners due to line-up this a good race to have 1pt each-way at 8-1.
The ground is going to be much softer at Chepstow and that will suit TILE TAPPER (1.43).
He made a promising chase debut and he had an excuse for his disappointing display last time out.
Have 2pts to win at 6-1.
- Fortescue was an 11-1 winner for Jones in last week's column
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