heavy ground at Newcastle end Chepstow abandoned

there were inspections earlier this morning at Newcastle and Chepstow, but while the former meeting has been the green light to go ahead (but on very heavy ground), Chepstow has had to be abandoned as the track is waterlogged in places.
Main event at Newcastle is the Eider Chase, handicap at 16.15 CET over 4 miles 1 furlong, which will take some getting in these conditions. This is a good trial for the Grand National, and Comply or Die (David Pipe/ Timmy Murphy) won both races in 2008. He tries again under top weight, and while we think he is still capable of winning this at the age of 12, we are worried about the going; perhaps Ballyfoy (Jamie Poulton/ Mattie Batchelor), Giles Cross (Vic Dartnall/ Denis O´Regan) and Belon Gale (Howard Johnson/ Keith Renwick), all of whom stay well and act on the heavy, are more reliable options. Another interesting runner here is Gorge (Anthony Cosgriff Anton Voy), an ex-Australian horse having his first run in more than a year in the handicap hurdle at 15.15; he is probably best watched today and Dontpaytheferryman (Brian Ellison/ Kyle James) looks the logical choice.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Roi De Rose - Categorical - Hockenheim
2. Race: Dontpaytheferryman - Night In Milan - Reindeer Dippin
3. Race: Yurok - Battle Group - Be True
4. Race: Giles Cross - Minella Boys - Belon Gale
5. Race: Bollin Felix - Paddy Partridge - Shadows Lengthen
6. Race: Chamirey - Tyrone House - The Ferbane Man
7. Race: The Tracey Shuffle - Dancing Art - Rocks Rule