This race has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

A total field of eighteen for the stamina sapping Eider Chase at Newcastle racecourse on Saturday.

Merigo took the honours twelve months ago and bids to make it two years running. But things have not gone his way in his two runs since. He arrived home way down the field at Carlise in November but in his defence he would have been in need of that run. He then took runner up slot over hurdles at Warwick a couple of weeks ago only to be disqualified when his jockey weighed light.

Another ex Eider Chase king is Philson Run who won in 2006 for Nick Williams, he is now in the care of Sohie Leech who decided to give this fourteen year old another spin after his talent and enthusiasm continued to shine through at home.

Sherwoods Folly flies the flag for Henry Daly, this eight year old won at Cheltenham on New Years Day after a drought of wins for almost two years. He was last seen taking third slot at Haydock in January. Daly feels this could be Sherwoods Folly's race with the trip and ground being right up his street.

Another interesting contender has to be Sean Curran's top weight Iris De Balme who won the 2008 Scottish National, he returned to work at the begining of the month to take fifth slot at Wetherby over hurdles.

Other interesting contenders include Galant Nuit, Ballyfoy, Bold Ransom and Gypsy George while Dom d'Orgeval, Royal Rosa, Huka Lodge, Present M'lord, Morgan Be, Wild Cane Ridge,Boris The Blade, Leac An Scail, Minster Shadow and Panama At Once complete the field.

Age Trend: Range: 8 - 10yo.

Jockey Trend: TJ Murphy has ridden the last two winners of this race.

Favourite Trend: The favourite has not won in the last five renewals.

Weight Trend: Range: 11-1 - 11-12.

Official Rating Trend: Range: 125 - 139.