STAYING O’brien’s Petite to down Eider

GET READY for a power surge in the demanding Vertem Eider Chase (2.45) at Newcastle this afternoon.

Fergal O’brien’s (below)

has had a profitable campaign, starting off with a handicap chase victory over three miles and a furlong at Cheltenham’s showcase fixture in October.

Having followed up over a furlong further at Uttoxeter, Petite

Power went under by a neck to Belle Empress over an extended three and a three-quarter miles at Exeter at the start of December.

Again partnered by his amateur pilot Liam Harrison, the 11-year-old went off a 12-1 chance for the Classic Chase at Warwick six weeks ago.

The Form Book records he finished third, beaten over 17 lengths, behind Grand National hope Kimberlite Candy – but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Petite Power was done no favours when Darlac fell four fences from home, but kept on in the straight in the style of a horse who would strongly appreciate a stringent test of stamina.

With the 12-strong field asked to run four miles, one furlong and 56 yards in heavy ground, he’s sure to get that today.

At Kempton, gets the vote in the Grade 2 Betway Pendil Novices’ Chase (1.15).

The son of Kayf Tara hasn’t been an easy horse for Paul Nicholls to train – he is now nine years old but has had just five starts over obstacles.

Master Tommytucker beat today’s rival Who Dares Wins over two and a quarter miles here in November before coming down four from home in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over three miles at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Harry Cobden’s mount, who splits the difference here at an extended two

Master Tommytucker can land the Pendil Chase

IN WITH A SHOUT Buzz is two from two over hurdles TUCK IN