2 minutes Despite a penalty of 11lbs for his latest win, Anglers Crag is currently favoured at 11-4 to continue his streak at the Gosforth Park event this weekend.
Brian Ellison is poised to decide closer to the event whether Anglers Crag, the pre-race favourite, will compete in the Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle this Saturday.
Since moving from David Pipe's stable to Ellison's care in Malton last autumn, the nine-year-old has won all three races, completing a trio of victories with a commanding win at Musselburgh recently.
Despite a penalty of 11lbs for his latest win, Anglers Crag is currently favoured at 11/4 with the bookies to continue his streak at the Gosforth Park event this weekend. The ultimate decision on his entry is in the hands of his owner, Derrick Mossop.
“I’ve seen he’s favourite, but I don’t think a decision (on whether he runs) will be made until Thursday, I need to speak with the owner,” said Ellison.
“The horse is in great form and if he runs he will be in tip-top condition, I’m very happy with him.
“The handicapper didn’t miss him last time and put him up 11lb and I think he’s gone up around 20lb since I’ve had him.
“Ground will come into it (the decision to run) and he’s never been over four miles yet. He won over three-mile-two at Carlisle and he’s also won over three miles at Musselburgh so he’s showed he has a bit of speed and he can stay. If he was to stay four miles he would take all the beating, I would think.”
Ellison, who clinched the Eider title with Sam’s Adventure in 2021, has expressed his eagerness to secure the trophy once more. The Tyneside local confirmed his top-performing stayer is in excellent condition and ready for the challenge.
“We won it a couple of years ago which was good and it would be nice to win it again,” said Ellison.
“He’s in great form and if the owner wants to run him he will run, but if he doesn’t then I won’t run him.
“He’s been trained like he’s going to run and has never missed a beat since he won at Musselburgh. He worked on Saturday and Andrew Robinson who rides him all the time thinks he’s improved again, so everything is OK.”