EIDER CHASE, Newcastle

This marathon trip of 4 mile 1 1/2 furlongs is one of the longest races in Britain, after the Grand National.

Often seen as a key trial for the big race in April, although hasn’t fared so well on the winners front.

Comply Or Die won the Eider in 2008 and claimed Grand National victory.

Christian Williams won back-to back renewals, first with Win My Wings, who went on to win the Scottish National after.

Then with Kitty’s Light, again going on to Scottish National victory before winning the Bet365 at Sandown.

In 2011 there was only three finishers when it was ran on Heavy ground highlighting the staying power needed for this stamina test, and Saturday’s race will be no different, with the last jumps meeting at the track having to be abandoned, and the track was waterlogged up to a week ago.

So, with 24 fences to be negotiated, step in mudlark’s who will stay the trip well.

No horse has won off 12 stone, so that would be a negative for Mr Vango, should he take his chance.

And, generally between 10st4lb and 11st seems to be the trend.

First port of call is 2024 hero ANGLERS CRAG, a former winner of the race for Brian Ellison, now in the hands of Nicky Richards.

He won this race on Heavy two years ago off four pound lower mark (11st).

He carries 10st4 currently, and opened up 4/1, being sent off 11/2.

He had to use all of his stamina to see off the runner-up, but they had the field well strung out.

He won as he liked on debut for this year last time out on soft at Carlisle, and was raised eight pounds to a mark of 130, as mentioned four pounds higher than the course and distance win in this race.

But, even aged 11, he looked like he just joined in that day, and this would have likely been his target for a while having been freshened up since the stable debut win.

At the other end, the youngest entry for the race is last time out winner, AWORKINPROGRESS.

Who he won six from seven Chase starts, and had just 12 rules starts in total.

Last time out over 3mile5f on soft, he pulled well clear with the runner-up for an easy victory in the Surrey National at Lingfield.

He had former Welsh National winner Val Dancer near 19 lengths behind, and Durham National winner Ivane 26 lengths behind.

He was raised five pounds for that, but ultimately he won with someone up his sleeve, and that could look lenient.

Again, another on a low weight thanks to Mr Vango, but things can adjust.

If trying to tick boxes then these two show plenty of appeal, mixing staying long distances, and having a liking for soft conditions, which are highly likely.

There is one with former class and bidding to show age is just a number for another win in this prestigious northern race.

And, an up and coming youngest in this sphere, who could show plenty more to bag a big race on route to better.

Hopefully two darts are enough, as it will take plenty of getting, but here’s hoping we have found the right angles in.

Bet Suggestions: 

ANGLERS CRAG - 1.5pt WIN

Best odds of 13/2 at Ladbrokes while publishing.

AWORKINPROGRESS - 1pt WIN

Best odds of 5/1 at bet365 while publishing.