Layne favourite for Eider glory

Arnold Layne, a faller when the well-backed favourite for Warwick’s Classic Chase, is 6-1 market leader with the sponsors for the totesport Eider at Newcastle on Saturday.

The Caroline Bailey-trained grey had looked a progressive sort, winning his three previous starts, but his good run came to an abrupt end as he gave Tony McCoy a terrible tumble that has kept the champion jockey on the sidelines ever since.

Spokesman Damian Walker said: “Arnold Layne had looked such a natural jumper in his races prior to his fall at Warwick and we are treating that as just a blip.

“He has a really progressive profile and after six starts over fences is still on the upgrade.

“Arnold Layne has won on good and soft ground so the going will not be a problem and as our ante-post book suggests he is the one to beat.”

The valuable handicap chase, over a gruelling four miles and a furlong, has attracted 41 entries.

They also include two possible Irish raiders – Tony Martin’s Newbay Prop and Dublin Hunter, from Dessie Hughes’s stable.

David Pipe is double-handed with Comply Or Die and Not Left Yet while Ferdy Murphy has five entries – Delray Beach, Lucky Nellerie, Negus De Beaumont, Surricate and Trisons Star.

Totesport Eider, sponsors bet: 6-1 Arnold Layne, 8-1 Newbay Prop, 9-1 Not Left Yet, 12-1 Bannister Lane, Comply Or Die, Lucky Nellerie, Money Line, 14-1 Aka Jake, Chabrimal Minster, Eric’s Charm, King Killone, The Risky Viking, 16-1 bar.