King on track for Eider double Maurice Phelan is looking forward to bringing 2012 Betfred Eider winner Portrait King back to Newcastle for this year's renewal after 49 entries were received. Seen by some as a trial for the Grand National, last year's winner Wyck Hill is also among the list for the gruelling four-mile-one-furlong test. Portrait King had been troubled by several injuries since his big win but has returned to form this season, winning at Punchestown last month before filling the runner-up spot last weekend. "It's the intention to take him to Newcastle next," said Phelan. "It's great to have him back, his last race was very good and he's come out of it well. "I hope the ground is soft, it usually is and it certainly suits him after his problems. "He had a bit of a leg and fractured his pelvis twice and they were all separate incidents so he's had his share of problems. "We've got him back, though, and Denis O'Regan told us after Sunday that he'd love to ride him in the Eider again." Among the entries are Welsh National runner-up Benvolio, Haydock winner Scotswell, Trustan Times, Shotgun Paddy, Just A Par, Gas Line Boy and Saturday's controversial West Wales National runner-up Gorgehous Lliege. The sponsors make Shotgun Paddy favourite at 8-1, ahead of The Job Is Right at 10-1.
