Sandy Thomson looks to stable star as he seeks Rehearsal Chase repeat

Saturday: 2.05 Newcastle
Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed) | 2m7½f | 4yo+ | ITV3/Sky

Staying chasers build the biggest fan clubs in racing, without question, and not only are we treated to a big field of lovable sorts in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, but a whole host of veterans will line up in Newcastle's Rehearsal Chase.

There's always a good story after this race, most recently 66-1 Yorkhill's unlikely success at the grand age of ten last season, and trainer Sandy Thomson must have strong claims of recording back-to-back successes with his new star The Ferry Master.

His breeding suggests 2m will be his forte, but The Ferry Master's stamina is unquestionable. The three-time winner produced a career-best effort when fourth of 22 behind Mighty Thunder in last year's Scottish Grand National, which might be the target once again.

Good ground suits him, as does the track, while he should strip fitter after a third-place finish on his seasonal reappearance. He just scraped into the race off a mark of 132, too.

He is one of four course-and-distance winners in the line-up alongside the popular Aye Right, 2019 scorer Takingrisks and stablemate Dingo Dollar. Those three shouldn't be overlooked, especially Dingo Dollar, who will be ridden by the in-form Ryan Mania.

Last year's third Cool Mix and Informateur, who has an excellent record on his second start of the season, are value alternatives at bigger prices. While who would begrudge Spiritofthegames a notable success? The Dan Skelton-trained nine-year-old competes in all the big staying chase and deserves an overdue victory.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

Amber gambler

Trainer Harriet Graham is going to get up extra early to make sure her leading fancy Aye Right makes it to the track and defies an amber weather warning which is in place for her area of the Scottish Borders.

She said: "Aye Right is fine but my biggest concern is the weather as we've been forecast snow, wind and goodness knows what else and I'm nervous about travelling horses in an amber weather warning.

"We've got the chainsaw out in case we have any fallen trees, which block the road, while we've also put the snowplough on our quadbike. I've already told the staff we're leaving earlier and I just hope we can make the three miles to the A68."

As for the chances of Aye Right, who is by someway the best horse in Graham's tiny stable, the trainer added: "Aye Right is really fit and well. He deserves to win a good race and any rain will help his chances we just need a bit of luck."

Graham could have run her star at Newbury in the Ladbrokes Trophy, a race he finished second in a year ago, but had a rethink.

She added: "Aye Right had a warm-up a few weeks ago with a view to going to the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby but we didn't think he was quite ready so we waited for this weekend. To be honest with all the Irish coming that [Ladbrokes Trophy] looked a strong race this year and, rather than a 300-mile trip, we thought we'd stay closer to home at a track he's previously won at."

What they say

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Dingo Dollar and The Ferry Master
The Ferry Master is a very nice progressive young horse and we're really looking forward to running him. He's not done a lot wrong and we've had this in mind since he finished fourth in the Scottish National last season. Dingo Dollar is a bit more exposed but we were pleased with his warm-up run.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Takingrisks
Hopefully they get the rain they say is coming as the old boy loves to get his toe in. He was only just getting going when sixth on his comeback the other day and he looks a picture.

Alan King, trainer of Notachance
We can forget his final two runs of last season as he wasn't operating properly because of a hoof injury, and, while this trip might be short of his best, it looks a good place to start. This will also put him spot on for his main target, which is the Classic Chase at Warwick in January, a race he won last year.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Sam's Adventure
He pulled up first time but usually needs a couple of runs to get him right but if they get the rain they say is coming it will help his cause.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Glen Forsa
He ran well at Ascot last time in his usual front-running role but we may ride him a bit more conservatively this time. We've always thought he has a big handicap like this in him.

Iain Jardine, trainer of Cool Mix
He's coming here off the back of a good run at Cheltenham and we're hoping he'll be a little bit sharper for this. The flatter track will suit him. He's been very consistent and deserves to get a good race. He's been running so well that I'm sure there is a nice run in him.
Reporting by David Milnes

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