Four-horse trainer chasing Eider Chase glory with 'unexposed' 47lb improver

Permit-holder Robert Bevis is relishing the prospect of taking on jumping’s best when Danilo D’Airy heads to Newcastle’s Vertem Eider Chase (3.15) on Saturday.

His lightly raced nine-year-old has made explosive progress since going handicapping over fences this season, improving a remarkable 47lb from an opening mark of just 73.

Danilo D’Airy is unbeaten in his three runs over fences, with his sole defeat this season coming over hurdles, a run that his trainer freely admits was an oversight.

Bevis said: “Chasing is his game and he just loves it. We wanted to have a go at this race [the Eider] and not put his mark up, and we ultimately aimed at too good a hurdle race last time, which was a bit daft on my part.”

Vertem Eider Handicap Chase racecard and betting

On his Eider chances, Bevis added: “He likes to get on with it. His best asset is the way he jumps, but going this far we’re going into the unknown. He stayed three miles one a half furlongs pretty well and the jockeys who have ridden him think he’ll just keep galloping.

“He’s got a lightish weight on Saturday, so fingers crossed – if he’s in the first three we’ll be delighted.”

The ground at Newcastle is soft and the only stumbling block for Danilo D’Airy would be a sounder surface. Bevis added: “I hope the ground doesn’t dry up too much as he wouldn’t want that and we’d be dubious about running him if it was goodish ground.

“You’d like to think he can improve again as he’s a bit unexposed, but he’s not the fastest at home and you couldn’t be making big plans on his homework.”

'Having a permit was just a bit of fun really'

Bevis’s select operation has enjoyed a stellar season, striking with four of his 16 runners for a level-stakes profit of £39.75.

Discussing his background, Bevis said: “I’ve got only four horses. I’ve had a few point-to-pointers along the way, but showjumping is my background – over the years I’ve been fairly successful and been on the British team.

“Having a permit was just a bit of fun really, it’s only low-grade stuff and Danilo D’Airy has taken us on the way and we’ve had fun.”

Bevis got into the sport with a helping hand from his brother Richard. He explained: “My brother, who is head lad to Nigel Twiston-Davies, used to ride pointers, while my dad and I were always keen.”

He added: “I’d like to get my full licence if I got around ten owners in, but I’m quite realistic as to compete with the best you get more ordinary days than good days.”

Vertem Eider Handicap Chase

William Hill: 11-2 Eclair Surf, History Of Fashion, 7 Danilo D’Airy, 8 Domaine De L’Isle, 10 Court Master, Just Your Type, 11 Checkitout, 12 Rath An luir, 14 bar

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