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A varied training regime and a new face around the stable are working wonders for the rising 11-year-old Eric The Viking.

Trainer and part-owner Aaron Bidlake has the 2014 Grand National Steeplechase winner on target for his third crack at the Riccarton feature after the gelding finished fifth in his title defence last winter.

“I’m really happy with him, certainly happier than I was 12 months ago,” he said.

“I’ve got an English girl, Emma Goodinson, working for me and she has been a big help. She knows jumpers and we can get more work into him.

“She’s a really good asset and we’ve always been short of riders here until now. We have been able to change his work as well to keep things interesting for him.”

Eric The Viking recently resumed on the flat in a Rating 65 mile at Trentham and, while unplaced, he thrilled Bidlake with his work in the straight.

“I’d say he might have run the last 200 metres quicker than anything else - it was a super run,” he said.

“He’ll head back to Trentham, probably for a hurdle race, next and then it will be the Wellington Steeplechase and from there to Christchurch for the Koral and on to the Grand National again.”

Shaun Phelan has been aboard Eric The Viking in the last two Nationals and Bidlake is hoping they can continue their association this winter.

Meanwhile, stablemates Kingiesstar and Fully Infected will also be seen out over hurdles in the near future.

“Kingiesstar had a couple last winter and he might have a bit of a future,” Bidlake said.

“Fully Infected went a good race for fifth on the flat the other day. He’s the hardest horse I’ve ever had anything to do with, but he does love jumping so that’s where his future lies.”