Tony Calvin Tips

One horse really catches the eye in this race and it is the Paul Nicholls trained Black Corton with Bryony Frost on board. There's a few doubtful stayers in this race especially with the ground currently riding soft but the nine-year-old Black Corton doesn't have that worry. He won the three mile Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase here on King George day back in 2017 on soft and in all, his record on soft ground reads three wins and a place from nine starts, so we know he goes on the ground, stays the trip and has already won twice at the track.

We also know what we're going to get with this fellow - a big strong run from the front. He jumps well, travels well and I just think he's going to have a lot of these doubtful stayers at it before they turn for home and I think he comes home in front. His record at this time of year reads one win and two places from four starts. Available at 7/1 on the Sportsbook, I think he goes off shorter than that come race time so advise taking the price as soon as possible.

Alminar can take advantage of a lightweight in the Eider Chase

Newcastle 14:45 - Alminar (EW)

Hopefully the wind keeps blowing the rain clouds away at Newcastle, and for those looking for a bet in the Eider Chase at Newcastle (14.45) in these conditions I would be looking at the more lightly weighted contenders, as this is going to take some getting on the ground. For that reason I am keen on the chances of Nigel Hawke's Alminar who carries just 10-9. This horse has been staying on like a train over three mile on heavy and soft ground giving the distinct impression he needs a marathon trip on this ground to be seen at his best.

He doubled his tally over fences by winning at Chepstow last time out and with what appeared a good deal to spare. I don't think he has reached the peak of his powers yet, the Hawke team are no strangers to preparing a horse for these marathon contests and it is telling that they have sent him all the way to Newcastle from their southern base (Tiverton, Devon). With 12 runners going to post for this four mile slog in the mud and four places available on the Sportsbook, I think he has to be backed at a double figure price, at the time of writing he is 11/1.