Gain a little edge by heading off west

WEST OF THE EDGE can gain handsome atonement for a narrow defeat in the Eider Chase by winning the Betfred Midlands National at Uttoxeter today.

The 10-year-old was stepped up to an extended four miles by trainer Richard Newland to tackle the Newcastle feature and it appeared to be an excellent decision as he looked a likely winner when taking up the running with two fences to jump.

However, Baywing had deeper reserves of stamina that day and sailed by after the last with West Of The Edge just keeping on to finish four lengths adrift in second.

He gets his favoured soft ground again and with stamina now proven he must surely be there or thereabouts once more.

BIG RIVER can sail home in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Derek Fox has the ride for Lucinda Russell and should score.

Kempton’s card features some decent action and JUST A STING can make his mark in the Matchbook Racing Is Commission Free Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle.

He came home third in a novice heat at Ascot on his latest start but given the winner, Vinndication, has gone on to score at Listed level while the second, Champ, is held in the very highest regard by Nicky Henderson, it does not look too bad an effort at all.

Starting off a mark of 125 here, handicaps could be the making of Just A Sting.

KILCREA VALE missed the cut at Cheltenham, but the Matchbook Silver Bowl Handicap Chase looks an excellent opportunity to gain some compensation and notch up his first victory in over a year.

He was last seen finishing a fair second behind Acting Lass at Ascot back in January and remains on a reasonably competitive mark. SELECTIONS: KEMPTON: 1.30 Grapevine, 2.05 Copain De Classe, 2.40 Just A Sting, 3.15 Kilcrea Vale, 3.50 Champagne Champ, 4.25 Allee Bleue, 5.00 Starjac.

UTTOXETER: 1.50 Mozo, 2.25 Big River, 3.00 Fleminport, 3.35 WEST OF THE EDGE (NAP), 4.10 Coningsby, 4.45 Present Flight, 5.20 Whiskey In The Jar, 5.55 Smiths Cross.

DOUBLE: West Of The Edge and Kilcrea Vale.