Can anyone stop 'relentless' O'Connell from sealing a four-timer in the Eider Chase?

In the 1970s, 1980s and1990s, the Eider was lost to snow or frost eight times. Since the turn of the century, that has happened just twice. Cancellations due to waterlogging are also down, albeit by less.

The Eider is moving away from its mud-spattered reputation, turning it from the last winter plod into the first spring marathon. It is seven years since the fifth-placed finisher was beaten more than 20 lengths. Even more telling, the last five winners all made their next appearance in the Scottish Grand National and last year that race threw up soft ground for the first time in a generation. Their form figures have been pretty good, too: 2U11P.

The P belongs to Anglers Crag, who defends his title. It is no surprise he flopped at Ayr. Since joining Brian Ellison before the start of last season, he has only ever been aimed at the Eider.

The main difference between 2023-24 and 2024-25 is that Anglers Crag started this season rated 28lb higher. His form figures (854) look bad in comparison with last year's 111, but the RPRs are comparable: 122, 124, 130 last season compared with 117, 128, 124 this time. You do not have to squint hard to think he is building up again, and the visual impressions from his runs this winter would back that up.

Anglers Crag: winner of last year's Eider ChaseCredit: john grossick

This is not a high-quality Eider on ratings but it is pleasingly competitive. Even though the topweight runs off just 136, the top three in the weights won the Somerset National, Masters and Tommy Whittle on their most recent starts.

None of those is a stronger and more relevant piece of form than Anglers Crag's win last year. Runner-up Prince Des Fichaux is back, and although he too might have been trained for the race again, his struggles since have been harder to deny.

Major Dundee would have been no worse than third had he not unseated two out. Like the first two, he has been quietly campaigned this winter. He went off at a big price at Bangor on his reappearance, then shaped better than being pulled up suggests in deep ground at Lingfield.

Although he handles soft ground, Major Dundee is generally raced away from the mud. Marathon stayers who do not want it deep being repeatedly aimed at the Eider is another gentle suggestion that this race is evolving in response to milder Februarys.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Can 'relentless' O'Connell rattle off a four-timer?

It may have taken some time for Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith to land their first winner together after becoming joint-trainers last October, but they have been prolific since, with 18 victories since the start of December.

Joel Parkinson and Eider Chase contender O'ConnellCredit: David Carr (racingpost.com/photos)

And O'Connell, who provided that breakthrough success at Carlisle, followed up at Market Rasen and Sandown and topped midweek betting on the £80,000 Eider, a race Smith never won in her time as the sole name on the licence.

“He’s gone up in the handicap but he’s asked for it," Parkinson said. "He looks as though the further he goes the better he gets.

"He’s not the fastest but he’s relentless. Newcastle is left-handed and he’s done all his winning right-handed, but it’s a big galloping track. To win it any time would be great, but to do it in my first season would be special.”

What they say

AJ O'Neill, joint-trainer of Collectors Item
He ran a cracker in the London National and we thought the ground might be a bit quick at Wincanton last time, but he got the job done. He's going back left-handed, but he likes these staying tests.

Alan King, trainer of Egbert and Major Dundee
This has been the target for Egbert since he won the Tommy Whittle and he'll be suited by this. Major Dundee couldn't handle the ground at Lingfield in the Surrey National. He was running well when he unseated two out in last year's race and he's 5lb lower now.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Anglers Crag
His last run was a step back in the right direction as he needed a couple of runs to get fit. He was well handicapped when winning this last year, but he seems in fine form.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Passing Well
He's improved every time he's gone up in trip and was unlucky not to get his head in front in the Surrey National. He's versatile and consistent, and we hope going up to these trips brings out more progression.

Jamie Snowden: runs Passing Well in the Eider ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Henry Daly, trainer of Bretney
Bretney did a Bretney at Musselburgh. He’s always had the ability to throw in a stinker. but usually the next one is a lot better. Fingers crossed he can put in a nice run.

Mark Walford, trainer of Choosethenews
All he was doing when he ran at Newcastle last time was stay. He’s off a reasonable mark and this is the age when he should be coming to his best.

David Pipe, trainer of Chemical Warfare
He's obviously had a fantastic time. If he was to get this trip he's at the right end of the weights. He's had a wind op since his last run, so I think he can be a lively outsider.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Saturday previews:

1.50 Kempton: Paul Nicholls dominates the Pendil - is Rubaud the right candidate to follow Frodon, Cyrname and Pic D'Orhy?  

2.10 Newcastle: Can anyone stop 'relentless' O'Connell from sealing a four-timer in the Eider Chase?  

2.25 Kempton: Can Mondo Man break duck over hurdles or will Lulamba form come unstuck? Adonis to serve up key Triumph clues  

3.15 Southwell: Can Royal Champion display his Group 1 credentials in another strong version of the Winter Derby?  

3.25 Fairyhouse: The final step on the road to Aintree for Grand National big guns in phenomenal renewal of the Bobbyjo Chase  

3.35 Kempton: 'He's very much on the upgrade and less exposed than a lot of the others' - key insight for the Ladbrokes Trophy  

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