Coral Trophy/Eider Chase Saturday Preview

With the final pieces of the Cheltenham preparation jigsaw slowly fitting into place, attentions turn to a traditionally competitive Saturday with both the stamina sapping Eider Chase at Newcastle and a trappy renewal of the Coral Trophy taking centre stage. Triumph Hurdle clues are also on display in the Adonis Hurdle as well as the Grade Two Dovecote for the Novices.

I begin my preview with an intriguing Adonis Hurdle coming up at 1:50. I’ve been a keen follower of Knight Salute ever since he comfortably brushed aside returning foe Impulsive One over course and distance back in October.

He‘s since gone on to capture at Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in November as well as the Summit Juvenile Hurdle at Doncaster, turning over the very smart Porticello who is a Grade One winner himself this season.

Milton Harris’ progressive four year old has spear headed the Sutton Veny revival this season and he appears to have a solid chance here to once again solidify his ever growing Triumph Hurdle claims.

The main danger and arguably the most unknown in this contest is the Paul Nicholls trained Pleasant Man. This talented four year old rattled off three victories when trained by Roger Charlton during his flat days and comes into this contest unraced over hurdles.

Paul Nicholls took this prize with Solo two years ago and the Ditcheat mastermind looks to repeat the trick again with this McNeil Family owned gelding.

A very competitive Coral Trophy comes up at precisely 3:37. Five Star Getaway looks to have a very strong chance. The Christian Williams trained eight year old was a good winner over course and distance two starts ago, beating recent Ascot winner and possible Grand National contender Fortescue by one length. The form of that race hasn’t worked out too badly.

This upwardly mobile chaser was last seen finishing a respectable third at Sandown under a patient ride. The return to Kempton is a big plus and boasting the only course and distance success in the field, I fully expect a big run.

Good Boy Bobby looks to solidify his Grand National chances. The nine year old is guaranteed a run at number 31 and comes into this contest with a four pound rise for winning the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day in the mud.

Phoenix Way was delivered to perfection last time out under an ice cool Kevin Brogan last time when taking the scalp of the smart Fanion D’Estruval. I expect tactics will remain the same here with Kevin Brogan looking to smuggle his way into the race.

Cap Du Nord reappears in this at the bottom of the weights. The nine year old bumped into handicap blot at the time Royal Pagaille who won with plenty in reserve. The cheek pieces are back this time around as he looks to build upon a respectable third in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.

Attentions now switch to Newcastle and the traditional war of attrition that is the Eider Chase coming up at 3:15. This hot contest consists of a former Welsh National winner, a Classic Chase winner, a former Many Clouds Chase winner and a relatively unexposed Irish contender.

I’m sticking with the Ogmore By Sea yard of Christian Williams, opting for the tough mare Win My Wings.

This nine year old mare comes into this contest off the back of a 28/1 victory at Exeter over three miles. A winner over 3m2f at Cheltenham last Spring, Win My Wings appears to enjoy a test of stamina and comes into this marathon as a relatively unknown prospect over these extreme trips.

The first time headgear is applied, along with a good jockey booking in the form of Ryan Mania. I would be very surprised if this longer distance doesn’t suit.

Eclair Surf bounced around Warwick when impressively taking the Classic Chase. This bold front runner is 10lb higher for that success and is still in the Grand National, but in the mid sixty’s connections will be relying on a few to come out in order to get a run. This eight year old would appear to be a dream ride should he get to Aintree.

Potters Corner was in the thick of the fight before departing in this two three years ago. A couple of solid runs over Cheltenham’s cross country course suggests the fire still burns. The promising Ellis Collier gets the nod on a big Saturday stage for the first time and is a jockey to note. I can imagine this will be a stepping stone for the Cross Country at The Festival.

History Of Fashion comes into this hugely unexposed. Whenever the Irish bring one over for this type of race, you have to stand up and take note.

Richard Condon takes an ideal seven pounds off this eight year old who was a comfortable winner on handicap debut over three miles at Down Royal last time out. A step up in trip awaits and I am intrigued to see how this progressive horse takes to the extreme test of the Eider.

The 4:25 is an interesting contest. Do Your Job takes an almighty drop back into handicap company following three attempts in Graded company, two at Grade Two level and one at the top level.

On all three occasions, this smart eight year old has bumped into either current Arkle favourite Edwardstone and the talented Dan Skelton trained Third Time Lucki. That form alone is incredibly strong.

The very talented Luca Morgan takes a handy three pounds off top weight here and I think his class can bring him through here in calmer waters compared to those that he has been in so far this season.

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