Charlie Longsdon is hoping his decision to save Minella Boys for the totesport.com Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday proves the correct one.
The Chipping Norton trainer believes four miles and a furlong on heavy ground will play to the nine-year-old's strengths.
Minella Boys was a gallant second to West End Rocker in the Classic Chase at Warwick last month, and Longsdon was keen to avoid Alan King’s horse in the Grand National Trial at Haydock.
“He missed Haydock last weekend as we didn’t want to take on West End Rocker again, even though he didn't run a great race,” said Longsdon.
“He seems in good form and the plan is to go for the Eider. He should like the ground. From what we have always believed, the trip and the ground should suit him.”
The 17 entries for the marathon event are headed by Comply Or Die, who took this prize in 2008 on the way to winning the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.
Other possibles include Howard Johnson’s Belon Gale and Companero, Victor Dartnall’s Giles Cross and Irish hope Noble Concorde.
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