NORTHUMBRIA trainer Rose Dobbin has her horses in excellent fettle at present and 8/1 chance Rocking Blues enjoyed an impressive victory in Saturday’s very valuable Betfred Eider Chase at Newcastle.

On better ground, eleven of them completed the four miles plus trip this year but nothing had any chance with the winner, who moved up to lead four out and soon went right away for jockey Lorcan Murtagh – entitled to the full 10lb allowance – and could afford a very awkward moment at the last before beating the gallant but luckless Shotgun Paddy by nine lengths.

Pat Griffin’s Portrait King, who may go for the Irish National, and Mysteree came next.

Rocking Blues has turned eleven but longer trips have been the making of him and this romp followed an even easier success at Kelso. The handicapper will probably stop his gallop but, with a prize of over £53,000 in the bag, owners The Friday Lions will not be complaining.

“I can’t believe it,” Dobbin said. “We’d actually retired Rocking Blues and he was out in a field but we thought we’d give it one last go this season. He’s fragile and we keep him to safe ground. Maybe the Grand National next year would be possible and perhaps the Midlands next time but I’m tempted to rough him off.”

Emma Lavelle’s Shotgun Paddy may go to Uttoxeter but he receives no respite from the handicapper. This second followed his third in the Welsh National and he was trying to concede Rocking Blues exactly two stones. Davy Russell gave this sketchy jumper a fine ride but it was a huge task.

Murtagh is only 17 and had to lead up Amys Choice for his boss later on.

“I don’t know what happened at the last, we both guessed a little but I never thought I’d come off. I’m just grateful to Rose and Tony for giving me a chance and maybe this will open a few doors,” he smiled.

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT

Berwickshire handler Sandy Thomson wanted to get a race into Seeyouatmidnight before the festival and everything fell right for him as the talented eight-year-old, sent off at a prohibitive 1/8, accounted for two rivals in the Betfred Novices’ Chase over nearly three miles.

Seeyouatmidnight made all and was briefly shaken up by Brian Hughes after hitting the fourth last but he recovered to beat Smooth Stepper easily. The RSA Chase, with a faster pace, looks the right race for him and he will have every chance, especially on easy ground.

Trainer Brian Ellison is in good form and completed a treble on this card via Zaidiyn, Tomngerry and Five In A Row.