3 minute read

Evanna McCutcheon will keep a close eye on the weather before making a late decision over the participation of Maarek in the Betfred Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle on Saturday.

The eight-year-old is one of 24 entries for the six-furlong Group Three he won back in 2012 when trained by David Nagle.

Although yet to win a race this season, the son of Pivotal has run well in defeat on each of his three starts, most recently finishing second behind Mustajeeb in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh.

McCutcheon said: "The Chipchase is an option but we are on weather-watch as usual. He's in great order but we will leave it until the last minute to decide as there is also a race in Germany next week that he's in.

"He came out of his race at the Curragh really well and is crying out for another run. The form has been boosted with Mustajeeb running well at Ascot.

"Although he doesn't have to have bog-like conditions, he does need the rain to take the sting out of the ground.

"When he won this race back in 2012, it was his first Group-race win and I would love to go back there to try win it again."

Last year's winner Danzeno could bid for a repeat success after being entered by trainer Mick Appleby, while the James Tate-trained Ruwaiyan, runner-up 12 months ago, also holds an entry.

David O' Meara is one of five trainers with two possible runners, with both Watchable and That Is The Spirit in contention to run.

The long-absent Telmeyd is one of two entries in the race for William Haggas, with the Newmarket handler also responsible for Mubtaghaa.

Richard Hannon is also double-handed, with both Beacon and Smaih on the list.

Paul Midgley is enjoying a fine run and is responsible for Line Of Reason and Another Wise Kid, while Tim Easterby could run up-and-coming sprinter Mattmu.