Stamina doubts abound make Eider's war of attrition hard to solve

2.45 NewcastleVertem Eider Handicap Chase |4m1½f | 5yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Historically seen as a Grand National trial, the Eider is known for being a gruelling test of stamina.

Run over a further further than last year due to the start being moved back by 154 yards - meaning an extra fence is jumped - it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The last time the race was run on heavy ground, in 2018, only six of the 17 runners made it to the finish line.

With the highest rated horse having a mark of 136 in Saturday's event, the 2020 Randox Health Grand National picture will not be made much clearer, with no horse aiming to emulate Comply Or Die – who won this in 2008 before following up with victory in the National two months later.

Comply Or Die: took the Eider en route to Grand National successCredit: Mark Cranham

However, with many horses trying the trip for the first time, the race will no doubt provide plenty of future pointers.

Eleven-year-old Petite Power has been nibbled in the market ahead of his first attempt at the trip, with jockey Liam Harrison taking off 7lb.

He has yet to finish out the places in four runs this season and trainer Fergal O'Brien said: "The ground won’t bother him. He’s very straightforward and has a nice weight, we’re hopeful."

He will be challenged by top weight Prime Venture, who finished fourth in the Welsh National in December and also has a 7lb claimer, Isabel Williams, aboard.

Despite trainer Evan Williams admitting Prime Venture has "a hell of a lot of weight" to carry, he believes his horse is due a win, saying: "It’s about time he started winning again, he doesn’t win very often but he’s run some very good races in defeat."

Six of the last eight winners had finished in the top three on their previous outings and Hugo 'N Taz and Donna's Delight both seem interesting after winning on their first starts post-wind surgery last time.

This race has historically rewarded punters looking for a bigger-priced winner, with no horse shorter than 8-1 landing the Eider in the last six runnings of the race.

Key stat

Nicky Richards won this race in 2018 with Baywing. He runs Glittering Love, who is wearing first time cheekpieces.

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Very First Time
He won last time with Bridget [Andrews] on. He should stay four miles, but you don’t know until you try. I’m very happy with him and I’ve had this race in mind since he won last time. The race has cut up a good bit and the top weight is 136, so there’s a lot of money around for that mark. We’ll give it our best shot, he’s in good form.

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Donna's Delight
This has always been the plan, almost since the day Dave [Armstrong, owner] sent him he said this might be an Eider horse, so here we are. He’s got a nice weight and it looks like the wind op really helped him so we’re looking forward to it. He’s got as good a chance as any.

David Pipe, trainer of Hugo 'N Taz
He put in a good performance at Market Rasen and he gives the impression he will gallop all day. He’s got a nice weight and will handle conditions, so if he gets the trip he must have a chance.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Financial Outcome
I think he’ll run well, he’s a big horse and he’s got a nice weight. He seems to like the heavy going and stays all day, so it should really suit him and we’re quite hopeful.

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