Dark Horses

Nine-year-olds have a great record in the Eider Chase, winning seven of the last 10 renewals of the race. The Lucinda Russell trained YOUR OWN STORY looks to have the ideal profile to land the Newcastle showpiece. His second at the Punchestown Festival last May over 3m7½f, put him on the scene in staying chases when only being denied by a head.

After a summer break and pulling up on his return, he bounced back to form when finishing second in the Borders National at Kelso over 4½f on soft ground. His latest effort, finishing sixth in the Welsh National, shows he's still holding his form well in these marathon tests. Trainer Lucinda Russell is no stranger to landing big prizes in staying chases and he looks a great each-way proposition.

Selection: Your Own Story (E/W)

In a typically wide-open renewal of this race, I fancy OUR POWER to repeat his success after winning the race in 2023. The Sam Thomas trained ten-year-old has been in good form this season, chasing home King Turgeon at Cheltenham in December over 3m2f with the useful Chianti Classico back in third. He returned to Cheltenham last time out, only to be denied by a rejuvenated Chantry House, who picked him off close to home.

His record here at Kempton Park reads two wins from six starts with two third-place finishes. He took this race off a handicap mark of 141 in 2023 and with talented 3lb conditional Dylan Johnston taking the ride today, he’s off the same mark again today.

Selection: Our Power (E/W)