Kirby sweet on his Cool guy

Philip Kirby is optimistic of the hat-trick seeking Cool Operator running a big race in the Betfred Eider Chase after being forced to miss the Coral Welsh National.

The Middleham trainer decided to target the 10-year-old at the Newcastle marathon today after a minor setback ruled him out of the Chepstow feature.

Cool Operator had been in top form, winning his first two races of the winter at Uttoxeter and Carlisle.