Bishops Road bids to make it third time lucky in Rehearsal Chase

3.20 NewcastleBetVictor Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed) | 2m7½f, 4yo+ | ITV/ATR

Kerry Lee, who ended a long losing run when Destined To Shine won comfortably at Hereford on Wednesday, is hoping her welcome resurgence continues with Bishops Road.

The ten-year-old has twice run big races in this Listed event – he finished runner-up to Beware The Bear, who tackles the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury, 12 months ago – and shaped most encouragingly on his seasonal reappearance last Saturday when second to Red Infantry at Haydock.

Bishops Road ploughed through the mud to land Haydock's Grand National Trial over 3m4f in February 2016 off a mark of 144.

He is now 7lb lower in the weights and can be expected to be there or thereabouts at the finish once again.

Lee said: "He's done well in the race for the last couple of years and seems in such good form after Haydock that we're bringing him out again.

"I'm delighted to have the services of Robbie Power. We've a good jockey, the tracks suits and everything seems to be in his favour. He should run well."

Eider hero Baywing returns

The decision to step Baywing up to marathon trips paid dividends last season when the nine-year-old landed the 4m½f Eider Chase over this track in highly impressive style.

Not too many staying chasers show the turn of foot which Baywing produced at the end of that stamina-sapping affair to break the resistance of West Of The Edge, who delivered a career-best in defeat, and it would be no surprise if all roads led back to Gosforth Park in February.

Baywing: Eider Chase winner starts back at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Trainer Nicky Richards said: "I hope it keeps raining as the softer the better for him. He's in grand fettle. I wanted to get a run into him four weeks ago with this race in mind, but the ground hasn't been suitable.

"He's enjoyed a racecourse gallop, though, and I'm looking forward to getting him out again. Hopefully there could be a big prize or two in him again this season."

What they say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Otago Trail
He’s made the journey successfully in the past, having won it two years ago. He had last season off, but he’s been showing really good form. It's a competitive race, but any more rain that falls will be very helpful.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Ballydine
This has been the plan for him all season. He loves the ground and, while the Rehearsal Chase is always a tough race to win, he must have a chance.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Solighoster
He's a good horse when he puts it all together. The ground was probably a bit fast for him last time out, but he’s come out of it well. I see quite a few of them are having their first runs of the season and I think it’s an advantage that we’ve had a run.

Graeme McPherson, trainer of Ami Desbois
He was found to have a bone disorder which is why he didn't run in the second half of last season. The vets have done a huge amount of work on him and, if all his problems are behind him, he could be well handicapped.

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