It’s a thrilling Saturday of racing action! The highlight of the day is the Eider Chase at Newcastle, where contenders Anglers Crag, O’Connell, and Collectors Item will battle for a prestigious £41,000 prize. Additionally, the Winter Derby at Southwell features a showdown between Royal Champion and Military Academy.
Exciting Showdown at Newcastle: Eider Chase
Last year’s champion, Anglers Crag, aims for a repeat victory in the Virgin Bet Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle. The 10-year-old, trained by Brian Ellison, secured a remarkable win last year and is back after a solid fourth-place finish at Musselburgh. Competing under a 4lb higher mark, he remains a formidable contender.
O’Connell is also a horse to watch, seeking his fourth consecutive victory. Since his narrow win at Carlisle in December, he has shown impressive form, and with his strong finish at Sandown, the extended distance of 4m 1f should play to his advantage.
Collectors Item recently gained attention after a stunning performance at Wincanton as a 14/1 outsider, and although he faces a significant step up in trip, the support he has seen suggests he could surprise.
Other notable entrants include Egbert, who boasts a recent win at Haydock, and Lingfield’s one-two finishers Sporting Ace and Passing Well, making for a highly competitive race.
Southwell’s Winter Derby: Royal Clash Ahead
In the BetUK Winter Derby Stakes, Royal Champion, now under the guidance of Karl Burke after a stint abroad, looks to continue his impressive career, which includes a memorable victory at Royal Ascot in 2023. He is anticipated to perform well after his recent success in the Quebec Stakes.
Military Academy, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been impressive, losing only once in four starts. Following a gelding operation after his Listed Floodlit Stakes win, he appears to be a significant contender, especially with cheekpieces added for this challenge.
Other contenders include Champagne Prince, who recently marked five wins from six starts in all-weather races, and Persica, who has experience racing in Listed company.
Additional Races to Watch
At Southwell, the Hever Stakes features Burke’s Marshman, who has thrived on an all-weather surface this year. Meanwhile, Diligent Harry, although unable to defend his Kachy Stakes title last time out, is expected to perform better on this occasion.
The day also includes the Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap at 3.50pm, highlighting Glen Buck, who is looking for a follow-up victory after recent success.
Final Notables
As racing continues, keep an eye on My Kinda Ghaiy, making his debut for a promising trainer in the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Maiden Stakes. In Newcastle, Jetoile and Prairie Wolf are set to compete in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase at 3.20pm.
With action-packed racing taking place at Chepstow, Newcastle, and Southwell, fans can look forward to an exhilarating day.
