Chepstow preview: Eagle can swoop to success

David Metcalf | November 4, 2015

The Eaglehaslanded has a progressive profile and looks the answer to the 2m 7f handicap on today’s card at Chepstow (15.20).

Trained by Paul Nicholls, the gelding won his sole start in a bumper and has gone on to land two of his completed starts over hurdles.

In the last of those the five-year-old overcame a seven month absence to beat For ‘n’ Against at Exeter 15 days ago.

The Eaglehaslanded idled when taking up the running three from home, and after a mistake two out rallied gamely to get up and score by a neck.

To me he was value for much more than the winning margin, and an opening handicap mark of 121 may seriously underestimate The Eaglehaslanded’s ability given that the runner-up is rated 120 and the pair pulled 25 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a solid look.

The son of Milan is also entitled to come on a bundle for that outing, and with the prospect of plenty more improvement to come The Eaglehaslanded can get the better of the favourite Sykes to land the spoils.

Imagine The winnings if Chat delivers

In the 2m novices’ handicap chase (14.15), Imagine The Chat can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles.

The Rebecca Curtis trained six-year-old is a lightly-raced sort who showed progressive form in three spins over hurdles last season.