Slog On The Tyne

Whiskey Chaser and the syndicate members made the long slog to Newcastle for Frodo’s 22nd Chase start. The race was over 2m7½f and it was contested by a total of nine runners. Officially the race was named ‘188Bet Mobile Bet10 Get10 Handicap Chase (Qualifier For The Northern Lights Staying Chase Series)’ and had a first-place prize of £4,600.

Whiskey had previously raced at Newcastle on two occasions, both times he finished in second place. So the syndicate was upbeat about his chances. Despite the fact that Whiskey normally needs a few runs at the beginning of the season to find his flow. I didn’t make to the course, largely due to the fact that it’s a nightmare journey to Newcastle.

I once again opted to watch the race on the bookies streaming service. The ground was good to soft, which isn’t normally a problem for our boy. He likes on the muddy side. The horses went off and Whiskey was soon making decent progress in the race. Nestled next to the early race leaders, halfway through he was jumping well and keeping pace with ‘Overworkdunderpaid’ who had taken the prominent position.

As the race developed it was clear that Whiskey Chaser wasn’t going to hit his stride. He did nothing wrong but the leading group had too much in the tank towards the closing stages. Blakerigg and Orioninverness led the charge for the line, with Blakerigg coming out on top. Whiskey slogged on well to come home in fifth place. Not a vintage performance but not a bad one either.