DOUBLE HANDFUL

THE same oft-used phrases get trotted out when it comes to the Betfred Eider Chase at Newcastle — like “gruelling test” and “staminasapping marathon”. You can add “highly competitive,” to that list, which of course is the polite way of saying it's bloody difficult to pick out the winner.

Some people even compare the race to a lottery, which is silly. The chances of winning the UK lotto is one in 14million. The chances of winning the Eider seem plenty more difficult than that.

I can't remember even backing a winner of the race, although in my defence I'm usually losing money at Kempton at this time of the year. And, besides, I can't remember much at my age anyway. I'm not saying I'm a senior citizen just yet but I have started to like the sound of accordion music.

Only three runners finished last week's Grand National Trial at Haydock and I could have probably overtaken all three in the run-in.

Only six of the 18 Eider starters completed last year, so to say you need to look for a horse who can stay is pretty much stating the obvious.

Chase The Spud was super impressive when getting up to beat Mysteree on the run-in when landing the Midlands Grand National last March. But his mark of 149 looks too harsh, particularly since a poor display in the Welsh National last time out.

Besides, after watching Blaklion struggle last week under a massive burden I'd rather side with a horse open to improvement and carrying a low weight rather than a tried-andtested operator strapped to the hilt.

Given that no six-year-old has won this race in its 65-year history I can't plump for Back To The Thatch. Preference instead goes to Sue Smith's who won at today's track earlier this month and looks decent value at a double-digit price.

SMOOTH STEPPER,