The Eider Chase is one of the most famous handicaps in National Hunt Racing having been first run in 1952. It is considered a trial for the Grand National, but the last horse to win both races was Comply Or Die in 2008. It is a difficult race to win more than once for both horse and trainer, with Highland Wedding and Toby Balding the last combination to win the race more than once. They won it three times in 1967, 1968 and 1969, with Balding winning a fourth Eider in 1984.
Eider Chase 10-Year-Trends
- 8 of the last 10 winners have been aged 9, 10 or 11 (the others 7 and 8)
- 8 of the last 10 winners had carried 11-0 or more (the others 9-12 and 10-8)
- Tom Scudamore has ridden 2 of the last 9 winners
- Only 1 favourite has won in the last 10 years
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 11/4 to 18/1
Eider Chase 2018 Main Contenders
Vinnie Lewis
This season’s Sussex National winner is looking to make it three wins on the bounce but, at the age of seven, he’d become only the second horse younger than eight to win the Eider this century. His youthfulness means he’s less exposed than many of his rivals though and looks a decent stayer in the making.
West Of The Edge
10-year-old who looked a non-stayer when tried over 30-furlongs at Exeter and again looked to be running out of petrol when second to Emperor’s Choice over 28-furlongs when last seen at Haydock. Has also done most of his winning on better ground than the heavy ground that is forecast and there has to be doubts about him getting home.
Daklondike
Likely mount of Tom Scudamore and has looked a stayer of considerable potential when winning his last two starts over trips of just over 3-miles. Looks like he should stay this much longer trip but trying to become the first 6-year-old to win the Eider in the race’s history.
Hainan
Very impressive when carrying a big-weight to victory at Haydock over 28-furlongs two starts ago. Not as good last time when stepping back down in trip but definitely of interest stepping-up to 4-miles, despite being only seven.
Baywing
Looks well-handicapped on his Grade-2 win last season but hasn’t matched that performance since. Yet to tackle this sort of trip but there’s a chance it will bring about some improvement.
Knockanrawley
Poor last time but his trainer Kim Bailey is having one of his best seasons of recent years. His 10-year-old has also placed in the last two renewals of the Eider Chase and could go very close off a slightly lower mark this time around.
Eider Chase 2018 Horse Racing Preview And Tip
Vinnie Lewis, Daklondike and Hainan are three young stayers of considerable potential but would all be younger than a typical winner of the Eider Chase. Therefore, it could be worth taking an each-way chance on Knockanrawley who looks set to go close after finishing fourth and second in the last two years. Eider Chase 2018 Tip: Knockanrawley