Richards lays down Eider marker

Nicky Richards hopes the burden of top weight will not stop Mister Marker from putting up a bold bid in the Betfred Eider at Newcastle on Saturday.

The eight-year-old has been left with the task of carrying 11st 12lb after the weights were raised 9lb due to the defection of the top two in the handicap, Arbor Supreme and Swincombe Rock, at the final declaration stage.

However, Richards reports his charge in fine shape ahead of the four-mile-one-furlong stamina test.

“Having to carry top weight doesn’t help the job, but he’s in good condition and I’m very happy with the horse,” said the Greystoke trainer.

“It’s a shame they haven’t had a bit of rain because he acts very well on soft ground and he’s got a long way to go with top weight.

“Hopefully that won’t be such a big problem.

“He’s fine and I’m looking forward to running him.”

The last Irish-trained horse to land this prize was This Is Serious in 2002 and Co Kildare-based Maurice Phelan is looking for Portrait King, the youngest horse in the line-up, to show his older rivals a thing or two.

The seven-year-old was rewarded with his first win under Rules over three and a half miles at Punchestown three weeks ago.

Phelan said: “He’s not gone four miles before, but I’d be confident he will stay and I’d be happy enough with the ground.

“The trip will take some getting, but it’s a galloping track and that will suit.

“He’s still only seven years old so hopefully there’s more improvement to come from him.”

James Ewart has no stamina worries concerning Captain Americo after being delighted by the way the 10-year-old ran over three and a half miles when runner-up to Bold Ransom on his latest start.

“He was second at Haydock last time, and that was arguably his best run over fences,” said the Dumfriesshire trainer.

“That was in very testing ground over three and a half miles and he was staying on again at the finish – looking at that, you’d think four miles would suit.

“He had blinkers on that day so we’re putting them on again.

“He’s won at Newcastle before, so that’s a plus, and the ground should be fine for him.”

Richard Lee fears the ground might not be soft enough for Incentivise.

“I’m very worried about the ground,” warned the Presteigne trainer.

“The ground has obviously been drying out at Newcastle all week and he is definitely a better horse when it’s soft.

“I think they are calling it 6.5 on the going stick, which is just on the soft side, so hopefully it stays like that.

“He’s in good form and the big, galloping track should suit him well.

“Four miles and a furlong should be right up his street as well.

“He’s had to carry big weights on his last couple of runs and I think he’s a better horse with a lighter weight on his back.”

The rise in the weights has, if anything, helped Negus De Beaumont’s cause.

The 11-year-old had been 3lb wrong, but is now nicely in the handicap and his in-form rider Lucy Alexander has a handy 5lb allowance.

Negus De Beaumont has twice been pulled up in this race but with a course success last month under his belt, it is not surprising trainer Ferdy Murphy has cause for optimism.

“The rise in the weights will help him. He’s very well and has come out his last race very good,” said the West Witton handler.

“The horse that was third (Railway Dillon) has banged up the form since (winning twice).

“Last year when he ran we were delighted going into to the race with the heavy ground, but he didn’t handle it and I don’t think anyone did, really.

“We’re looking forward to it and Lucy is riding well and her 5lb claim is a big help.”

Peter Niven attempts to win the Eider as a trainer with Posh Bird after twice being successful as a jockey on Willsford (1995) and Seven Towers (1997).

The nine-year-old mare is 2lb better off with Mister Marker for a half-length beating at Ayr.

Niven said: “She’s in good form and we are a couple pounds better in with Mister Marker.

“I think she’ll get the trip. The ground is not as soft as it can be for an Eider, so hopefully she’ll put up a bold show.”

Morgan Be was placed in this race in 2009 and last year when conditions were heavy, but trainer Kate Walton fears the 12-year-old is unlikely to get his ground this time.

“We could have done with a bit more rain, but he’s in good form and he stays the trip,” she said.

Keith Reveley believes Eyre Square, fourth behind Morgan Be at Newcastle in January, has plenty going for him.

“He won the Borders National over the trip and he’s won at Newcastle,” said the Saltburn trainer.

“What with the track, the trip and the ground, everything should be ideal for him.

“Hopefully we’re in with a squeak.”