Newcastle race may well demand as much staying power from its winner as the Grand National in April

At four miles, one furlong and 55 yards, the Eider Chase at Newcastle is barely a furlong shorter than the Grand National and with the ground soft in places and some rain in the forecast, it may well demand as much staying power from its winner as the Aintree showpiece in April.

As a result, it will require a slight leap of faith for punters to back either O’Connell or Collectors Item, the early favourites after a full field of 18 was declared on Thursday, as both will be racing beyond three-and-a-half miles for the first time.