Sherwood confident for Eric's chance in Eider

Oliver Sherwood hopes Eric’s Charm can bag a deserved big-race success in Saturday’s totesport Eider at Newcastle.

The useful gelding has run some excellent races in smart company over the seasons but has failed to hit the target for almost two years.

Sherwood said: “We’ve been happy with him this year but I was just a little bit disappointed with his run last time behind Gungadu.

“We think he went off a bit quick though, so that was our fault really, and he certainly deserves to win a big race.

“I know I’ve always maintained he is better going right-handed but I can’t wait anymore as he’s not getting any younger at 10 and Newcastle is not the tightest left-handed track.”

Eric’s Charm will be going into unknown territory regarding the four-mile-one-furlong trip on Saturday, but Sherwood expects the stamina-sapping test will suit his charge ideally.

“I’d be disappointed if he didn’t get the trip as he was second in the Betfred two years ago over three miles and five furlongs and we think he wants a trip now.

“He’s lost a little bit of the speed he had two years ago, which is a bit like all of us when we get older!

“Dominic Elsworth will almost certainly be on him again at the weekend - that’s the plan anyway.”