DAN Skelton is heading north for a crack at the Eider Chase with the much improved Very First Time.
The Warwickshire-handler expects a big run from his eight-year-old at Newcastle and the bookies have him joint favourite.
His horse has won three of his last five starts and jumped up 22lbs in the weights but is expected to relish every yard of the four mile plus slog the Eider throws up.
Skelton told Sun Racing: “He should have a great chance, hes an improved horse.
“I wouldnt mind it drying out a bit but thats not to say I wouldnt fancy him anyway. Id fancy him more if it did though.
“He stays very, very well and the race looks like it’s cut up a bit too. It would be great to win one of these big staying handicaps.
“And he’s the kind of horse you need to take home a race like this. He’s progressive and always tends to conserve his energy as he races.”
It will be a big step up in trip for Very First Time who hasn’t tried a trip like this since switching from Tim Easterby.
After a disappointing effort in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen, he bounced back in style to win easily at Doncaster and his previous no show is of no concern to Skelton.
The Ladbrokes ambassador continued: “Hes only had one blip in the Lincolnshire National where he didnt run his race.
“He got his knickers in a twist and just started jumping badly, he thought sod it.
“He went round completed and just went back to his stable to eat his hay, he wasnt up for that.
“I don’t think he’d do that again though and I’m very happy with how we have him now.”
