'He’s doing everything right and I feel like he’s thriving' - Kerry Lee on new Morebattle favourite Black Hawk Eagle

Kerry Lee is top of the hot trainers’ list with a fantastic 80 per cent strike-rate (4-5) in the past fortnight, and she saddles the progressive Black Hawk Eagle, who is the new Morebattle favourite after the withdrawal of Under Control on veterinary advice.

The Herefordshire trainer has a 2-3 record at Kelso, winning the Premier Novices’ Hurdle with Nemean Lion on this card last season, and Black Hawk Eagle appears a leading candidate on the back of two wins from his first three starts for new connections.

Lee said: “The horses are running really well and we’re enjoying a purple patch. This is a big step up in grade for Black Hawk Eagle but he’s entitled to be here and has a nice weight. He’s doing everything right and I feel like he’s thriving.

“He’s owned by a syndicate, including several first-time owners, so they’re having the time of their lives and it’s great to have a go at a big race like this.”

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What they say

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Benson and Bass Rock
Benson showed at Musselburgh two starts ago he can carry plenty of weight, and while this is more competitive, I’m hopeful he goes there with every chance. He’s in great form and we know a bit more about him a year on from winning this race. Bass Rock is on a bit of a retrieval mission and needs better ground. I’m hoping he can show some of his old sparkle.

Jonjo O’Neill, trainer of Anyharminasking
He’s in good form and is entitled to take his chance. He might be in the handicapper’s grip, but I’m happy with him.

Jimmy Moffatt, trainer of Bingoo
He’s in good shape and is super consistent so will run his race. A strong gallop will suit and it’s worth a go with the fantastic prize-money on offer.

Jamie Insole, joint-trainer of Rewired
He’s very consistent and goes there in really good form. There’s a bit of a mixed forecast and we wouldn’t want the ground to get too soft.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Salsada
We’ve had a bit of a nightmare getting her to the track – she kicked a rail before being withdrawn at Huntingdon, and had a foot abscess before an intended run at Ascot. I wouldn’t want the ground to get too much softer. She’s done plenty of work and is in every bit as good a form as when she returned at Doncaster last season.

Salsada: finished second to Epatante at Doncaster last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Nick Alexander, trainer of Ginger Mail
He likes the track and prefers better ground. It’s a supremely competitive race, but I’m hopeful he has a little outside each-way chance.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Caithness
He’s made rapid progress this season. It’s a very big ask, but he’s a course-and-distance winner and wouldn’t be without an each-way chance.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Skycutter
He goes there with a chance. He won’t mind the good to soft ground and we don’t expect the track to be an issue.

Ewan Whillans, trainer of Cracking Rhapsody
He’s still a novice so it’s a big ask, but it’s a nice race to have a crack at. There’s definitely more to come from him and he should be suited by this slightly better ground.

Read our Saturday previews:

1.55 Newbury: 'He would seem to have a proper chance' - analysis and trainer quotes for the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury 

2.17 Kelso: 'He's been aimed at this race for a long time' - analysis and quotes for Kelso's Premier Novices' Hurdle 

3.25 Kelso: Monbeg Genius goes on trial for the Grand National in Britain's answer to the Bobbyjo Chase 

3.40 Doncaster: 'This race has been the plan for some time' - who fancies their Grimthorpe Chase chances? 

4.23 Navan: 'We're thinking of Fairyhouse for him' - Ash Tree Meadow skips Cheltenham in favour of home campaign 

Meydan: Charlie Appleby out in force on Super Saturday as Castle Way returns in Dubai City of Gold 

Nicky Henderson sets sights on valuable Kelso prizes as he bids to put dreadful week behind him  

'I fancy him strongly' - who are our panel of experts siding with this weekend? 

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