VINNIE LEWIS HEADS NORTH FOR THE EIDER
23-02-2018
THIS WEEK We've had a very quiet week on the track with just the one runner to report. However back at base there has been a pre-festival media frenzie! See links on our press and videos pages to various news bites on our 3 Cheltenham contenders and plenty more. And if Cheltenham seems a little too long to wait then cast your eyes on tomorrows card as we've got a strong contender in the big one at Newcastle as our Sussex National winner Vinnie Lewis heads north in for his next big challenge... REPORTS Taras Day finished 7th on her 2nd hurdles start at Market Rasen on Sunday. She was hesitant when the tape was released and this meant she got further back than ideal early on. She still showed signs of greenness and was novicey at her obstacles, but leaving the back straight she was still in contention. The pace lifted and she was a touch outpaced, but she stuck her head down and stayed on well to finish 7th. This was the first time she’s really run through the line and there’s plenty more to come from her as she gains more experience. ENTRIES Ruby Yeats is set to have her 2nd chase start at Warwick today. She went very close on chasing debut at Taunton over a shorter trip and she is well capable of progressing again. This is a step up in class for her, but a step back into mares only company too. The step up to 3m shouldn’t be an issue and we are looking forward to seeing her out again. Vinnie Lewis is set to take his chance in the Eider Chase at Newcastle tomorrow. He was an impressive winner of the Sussex National last month and this is the logical next step for him. Another 9lb rise in the handicap does make things more difficult, but he’s an unexposed horse who is still improving. This looks a good renewal with the likes of Milansbar, Daklondike and Hainan in opposition, but he has to have a good chance. He’s in cracking form at home. Tangoed missed her latest engagement at Huntingdon because of the ground and holds her next entry at Musselburgh on Wednesday. She continues to be in cracking form at home and will take her chance if the race is suitable. She does have an option at Southwell the following week. Stepping into handicap company should suit her and a strongly run race shows her at her best. Charlemar is set to make his return in the coming weeks and his first potential engagement is at Wincanton on Wednesday. He returns on a mark of 130, he’s unexposed and he’s a much stronger horse this season. He missed the start of the season with a setback, which put his chasing career on hold so he will contest handicap hurdles for the remainder of the season, before going chasing in the autumn. It’s very exciting to have him back. Tierra Verde could have her next hurdles start at Wincanton on Wednesday. She produced a much better performance at Plumpton last time out and this flatter track should suit her. She has come out of the race very well and will be eligible for a handicap mark after this. Until next week...