'He's in the form of his life' - Crosspark bidding for rare Eider Chase repeat

3.15 Newcastle
Vertem Eider Handicap Chase | 4m1½f | 5yo+ | Sky/ITV4

Plenty have tried but very few have succeeded – the Eider Chase is a hard race to win once and doing it twice has proved impossible of late.

Five of the last eight winners have returned to the scene of their success, making 11 attempts between them, and none have triumphed again.

That underlines the task facing Crosspark, who has not won anywhere since taking this prize in 2019.

Crosspark sees off Mysteree challenge to triumph in marathon Eider Chase

But he went on from Newcastle to finish second in the Scottish Grand National and has been runner-up on all four starts this season, recording joint career-best Racing Post Ratings of 153 on his last two starts, both at Sandown.

Trainer Caroline Bailey said: "He's run some cracking races, he's such a trier and he's in the best form of his life.

"But it's a big ask. He has a lot more weight than last time and it's a question of whether he's up to giving the weight away on the soft ground."

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Sam's bidding for hometown success

Nothing could beat winning the Northumberland Plate for Newcastle-born Brian Ellison but landing the Eider Chase would also be pretty special.

The trainer, born on Plate day in 1952, has just his second crack at his home city's biggest chase with Tommy Whittle Chase winner Sam's Adventure.

"He's been favourite all week and he's got a massive chance if he stays," Ellison said.

"You never know if they'll get the trip until you try but the way he runs he looks as though he should stay – it was three miles two [furlongs] on bottomless ground at Haydock and he wasn't stopping."

Bridgwater hoping for Eider boost

No Eider Chase winner would be cheered more loudly by neutrals than Salty Boy.

Six days ago David Bridgwater suffered the huge blow of losing The Conditional, the star of his small string, who suffered a fatal injury at Newbury.

Salty Boy will be a first runner since that incident for the trainer, who won this with Wyck Hill seven years ago.

Bridgwater said: "He's got a good chance. We should be thereabouts where the favourite is and the extra mile will help him. The track was too sharp for him at Plumpton last time and Newcastle will suit him."

What they say

Tristan Davidson, trainer of The Dutchman
He was running a good race last time at Wetherby and he'd run well at Haydock the time before. My only worry is the trip but we'll give it a go.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Big River and Haul Us In
Big River has a bit of class, this is the right distance for him and he seems in better form than for the Welsh National. Haul Us In lacks a recent run as she's missed out through abandonments but this has always been the aim for her.

Tom George, trainer of Springfield Fox
The Welsh National caught him out a bit. The ground wasn't as soft as we'd all been expecting and he probably wasn't experienced enough either. They went too quick for him at Wincanton and Newcastle should suit much better. We've put cheekpieces on to hopefully get him to travel better early on.

Paul Henderson, trainer of Crossley Tender
He hasn't run a bad race all season. As long as he gets the trip, I'm expecting him to run well. He'll be ridden to get the trip and I think this is a good race for him.

David Pipe, trainer of Little Red Lion
He's been doing really well in lower grade races. This is a big step up but it's great for the racing club to have a runner. He gives the impression he'll gallop all day and if he stays he could have an each-way chance.

Ian Duncan, trainer of Strong Economy
He looks as though he'll stay four miles, he has a good racing weight and has a bit of a chance but I'd like the ground not to dry out.

If you want more insight on Saturday's racing . . .

Members' Club: staying brigade all set to go the distance at Newcastle, Fairyhouse and Kempton

Members' Club: is there another Zarkandar hiding in the long grass? We assess the Kempton card

The Saturday Jury: 'I think he's got a brilliant chance' – our panellists preview the weekend (Members' Club)

1.50 Kempton: why an encounter with the brilliant Shishkin might help Tamaroc Du Mathan

2.25 Kempton: another juvenile star for King? Triumph clues on show with Tritonic in Adonis

3.00 Kempton: stamina in pedigree but speed on track: Atholl Street looks ideal for Dovecote

3.15 Newcastle: look past Eider mythology to find this year's big-race winner (Members' Club)

3.35 Kempton: does it pay to stick with the stayers or is speed the key to the Close Brothers?

Lingfield: Hollie Doyle out to land Winter Derby after coming out of self-isolation

Fairyhouse: Burrows Saint returns to scene of biggest win as Grand National prep steps up

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