Improving Eduard set Kelso Premier test by trainer Nicky Richards
Nicky Richards has confirmed Eduard will be his representative in Saturday's totepool.com Premier Kelso Hurdle.
Last Updated: 27/02/13 11:07am
The five-year-old has won twice from four starts over timber this season, perhaps running his best race in defeat when a close third behind Melodic Rendezvous at Cheltenham in December.
Richards also has his impressive Morebattle Hurdle scorer Duke Of Navan engaged in this weekend's Grade Two contest, but he is set to be saved for the Grand National meeting at Aintree in April.
"The plan is for Eduard to run on Saturday. He's in good form, he's having his last school this morning and that will be it before the weekend," said the Greystoke handler.
"I'm very happy with him at home and hopefully all goes well on Saturday and then we'll look towards Aintree with him.
"Duke Of Navan will go straight to Aintree. There is nothing else for him really so he'll head to Liverpool and hopefully have a good end to the year."
Micky Hammond's Victor Ludorum winner Only Orsenfoolsies will take on Eduard at the Borders track on Saturday.
The four-year-old has proved a revelation since going hurdling and handled the step up in class at Haydock with aplomb, staying on stoutly in the closing stages.
A run in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham is unlikely, but a trip to Aintree could be on the cards if he comes through this weekend with flying colours.
"He'll run at Kelso on Saturday," said Hammond.
"He's fit and well and he loves flat, left-handed tracks.
"The wetter the weather, the better for him really.
"We'll see how he gets on this weekend and then maybe look at Aintree, that might be more realistic than Cheltenham.
"The ground won't be an excuse this weekend, that's for sure, he if gets beat it will be lack of ability."