Ellison upbeat on Sam's Eider Adventure at Newcastle
Sam's Adventure will attempt to give Brian Ellison a first win in this weekend's Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle.
The nine-year-old son of Black Sam Bellamy is one of 16 runners still in contention after Monday's confirmation stage and features among the market leaders for the gruelling marathon contest at Newcastle.
Poor weather meant the race over four miles and one and a half furlongs did not take place last season, but 2019 winner Crosspark heads the weights and is set to be involved once again.
It would be great to win it - it is great to win any race!
Brian Ellison
Sam's Adventure was in second when uneseating in last month's Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, his fourth start of the season. He had previously relished the Haydock test when winning at that course in December and he is 6lb higher in the handicap for his Eider attempt.
He has raced at Newcastle five times previously, winning a novice hurdle and finishing second in two chases and a bumper.
Ellison's charge has finished no worse than fourth at the course and the Malton-handler is clearly confident ahead of Saturday's race.
"He's favourite and he's in good form," said Ellison. "He would have been no worse than second if he hadn't unseated at Haydock - he was cantering at the time.
"He has to prove that he stays but he didn't look like he was stopping when he won over three miles two at Haydock.
"I've had very few runners in the Eider, I think the only one I can remember is Presented who was sixth in 2014. It would be great to win it - it is great to win any race!"
Sam's Adventure is 8.50 to win on Saturday, with Crosspark 5.00 and Calett Mad 1000.00.
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