Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Race: Darlington Mowden Park RFC Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
We are staring down the barrel of a three-and-a-quarter-mile slog at Sedgefield today. In a Class 5 contest on Good to Soft ground, you don’t overthink it. You look for the horse that is still improving, will actually stay the trip, and isn’t carrying a piano on its back.
There is one clear answer.
The Selection: East Eagle (IRE)
This 6-year-old stands out like a beacon in a field of exposed veterans. While his rivals are aged 8, 9, and 10—and largely regressing—East Eagle is on the upgrade. He finally got off the mark last month at Catterick, and the manner of that victory tells you everything you need to know.
The Case for the Win:
The Weight: Officially, he’s set to carry 11-4. Crucially, the booking of Mr Charlie Maggs takes a massive 5lbs off. In a marathon stamina test like this, racing off 10-13 while the likes of Scudamore and Ballin Bay lug 12-0 is a decisive advantage.
The Collateral Form: Handicapping is often about comparing common lines. 34 days ago, East Eagle battered today’s rival, King Casey, by nearly 16 lengths.
The Maths: East Eagle gives King Casey roughly 3lbs today (after the claim). Does a 3lb swing reverse a 16-length thrashing? Not a chance. He has the beating of that rival all day long.
Progression: His profile reads 6-P-9-6-2-4-1. He has found his level and his trip.
The Danger: Dillarchie
If East Eagle fluffs his lines, Dillarchie is the one to pick up the pieces. She is as honest as the day is long and won this exact race (Course & Distance) back in February 2024. She ran a cracker to finish 2nd at Catterick 50 days ago and will handle the undulations of Sedgefield better than most. She is the solid ‘safe’ option, but she is a 9-year-old exposed mare giving weight to an improving youngster.
The Rest
Scudamore: Top weight (12-0) and hasn’t run in 125 days. You simply cannot back a horse to concede weight all round after a four-month absence in a staying race.
Honey Im Good: Off the track for 457 days. The market may watch her, and so should you.
Ballin Bay: Another carrying 12-0. He was beaten by King Casey last time out; if he can’t beat King Casey, he certainly can’t beat the horse that destroyed King Casey.
Verdict
The 5lb claim is the clincher. EAST EAGLE is young, fit, well-weighted, and holds the strongest form line in the book.
Bet: EAST EAGLE to Win