David Bridgwater hoping for Eider Chase rain for Wyck Hill

David Bridgwater will be doing his best impression of a rain dance ahead of Wyck Hill's attempt to win back-to-back renewals of the Betfred Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday.

The Stow-on-the-Wold-based handler is hoping the rain arrives at Gosforth Park in the lead up to the stamina-sapping four-mile-one-furlong event at the weekend.

Twelve months ago the 11-year-old, who is a best-priced 12-1 for this year's race, bravely out battled favourite Smoking Aces in near bottomless conditions by three-quarters of a length to give owner JP McManus a one-two.

"Wyck Hill is in the same order as he was last year, it's just that this year he has a bit more weight to carry but he is a big-framed proper National Hunt chaser so that won't be a problem," said Bridgwater.

"The trip suits him and it is a case of the more rain the better as he is not a quick horse. With a bit of luck we will get some rain and if we do he would have a solid each-way chance."

Unlike his build up last year, Wyck Hill, who was one of 30 entries left in at the five-day stage, has just had the one run compared to three 12 months ago before tackling the marathon contest.

Wyck Hill's sole prep outing came at the end of last month in a three-mile novice hurdle at Chepstow on his favoured heavy ground.

Despite only finishing second, having been sent off the 5-4 favourite, former jockey Bridgwater was satisfied with the performance.

"Everything is all good with Wyck Hill and we were delighted with his run at Chepstow. He was only beaten by a very fit nice young horse of Jonjo's (O'Neill), said Bridgwater.

Although Wyck Hill has an entry for the Crabbie's Grand National, for which he is a general 40-1 chance, Bridgwater is still undecided over his participation in the Aintree spectacular.

"He has an entry in the Grand National but let's get the weekend out of the way first," said Bridgwater.

"You need to have a handy position at Aintree and, as he has not got that early speed to keep up with them, he would need it soft there as it would just help slow the others down."

James Armstrong, clerk of the course at Newcastle, revealed that even with little rain expected between now and race day, he still feels it will be tough going for those that take their chance.

"We had a couple of millimetres of rain this morning which has made the ground soft, good to soft in places. We are not due a huge amount more if the forecast is to be believed, which makes a change," said Armstrong.

"I think given the time of the year it will still ride slow as it is quite worn, but we will be racing on fresh ground on the bends as we moved the rails back on the inside to ground that hasn't been used since November.

"Although I expect us to be nearer good to soft, soft in places come the weekend, it will still be hard work."