Sean Curran is looking for a big run from his John Smith’s Grand National hope, Iris De Balme, in the totesport. com Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday.

The 2008 Scottish National winner was a fine fifth over hurdles at Wetherby earlier this month on his first start in almost two years.

And Curran, who trains at Hatford, near Stanford in the Vale, is hoping the ten-year-old will shine in the Gosforth Park marathon this weekend, before making the cut for Aintree where he is 71st in the list of entries for the 40-runner spectacular.

“Weather permitting, the plan is for him to go to Newcastle and we'll see what happens,” said Curran.

“I was very pleased with his run at Wetherby. He actually jumped into the race at two out, but was then maybe just a bit ring rusty at the end.

“He's come on leaps and bounds since then, so hopefully he'll run well at the weekend.

“His better performances have come on better ground, but he's run well enough on soft before.

“If all goes well on Saturday, he'll then head straight to Aintree, if he gets in.”

totesport.com Eider Chase (sponsors’ odds): 5-1 Merigo, 6-1 Galant Nuit, 7-1 Halcon Genelardais, 9-1 Ballyfoy, Iris De Balme, 12-1 Lydon House, 14-1 others.