Friday, February 26, 2016

The Betfred Eider Chase 2016

Back in February 2014 I wrote:

"Many will concentrate on Kempton tomorrow but rather than put up half a dozen short-priced losers on that card, I've chosen to exercise a modicum of self-discipline and restricted myself to putting up one bigger-priced loser at Newcastle."

I'm going to adopt a similar approach this evening as on that occasion I tipped Wyck Hill for the Eider and, bless my old boots, David Bridgwater's charge obliged at odds of 9/1, having been as big as 16/1 the night before.

Afterwards, in what can only be described as a severe state of shock, I wrote:

"I haven't bothered to go back and check the fine detail but, in very broad terms, I manage to pull a stunt like this roughly once every ten years..."  

Wyck Hill goes again in tomorrow's Eider (Newcastle 2.50) but he fell at the sixth in last year's renewal and at the age of twelve it's hard to drum up confidence - he was pulled up on his last racecourse appearance in the 2015 Grand National.

Last year Miborough beat Summery Justice a length and a half with Woodford County eighteen lengths adrift in third (Portrait King ninth, Beforeall tenth, Shotgun Paddy UR and, as discussed, Wyck Hill F).

Of the first three home, at the age of nine Woodford County makes some appeal off a mark just two pounds higher. This term he has won over three miles six at Exeter in December and finished fifth behind the Kerry Lee trained Mountainous in the Welsh National, beaten just a neck for fourth spot by Saroque who claimed second in the Devon National earlier today.

Kerry Lee, enjoying a rich vein of form in this type of race, saddles likely favourite Russe Blanc but the grey has been raised a stiff-looking twelve pounds following a facile victory in Warwick's Classic Chase six weeks ago.

12/1 at the time of writing, Woodford County is the each-way selection; most layers pay a quarter the odds four places.

In an effort to manage unrealistic expectation, allow me once again to draw your attention to my comment following Wyck Hill's 2014 victory: 'I manage to pull a stunt like this roughly once every ten years...'

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, stumbled on your blog a few weeks ago and I’ve enjoyed your write ups thus far!

With conditions to suit Woodford County certainly made my short list but like much of the field he looks, off a mark of 131, to be just about where the handicapper wants him.

In the hope of finding one with a bit in hand I’ve taken a chance on Mysteree who still looks to have some scope for improvement. He’s not certain to stay and the trainer’s current form is a worry but that’s factored in to his 20/1 price.

Good luck

GeeDee said...

Rocking Blues (8/1) won a competitive-looking Eider 'unchallenged'.

Selection Woodford County (10/1) fell off the pace from three out to finish sixth but Mysteree (20/1), put up by an anonymous reader on Friday evening, ran a fine race, finishing fourth, beaten a short-head for third by Portrait King. Any doubts about his staying the trip have been answered with that performance.