The 9yr-old stepped up in grade to be a surprise winner over 4000m in last week's Koral Steeplechase. But his history as a flat horse who only just managed to see out his races over 1600m has some questioning whether he can manage the gruelling task of 5600m tomorrow.
''I gave him a bit of a half pace for 5000m today and he was pretty keen at the end of that,'' Bidlake said from Christchurch yesterday.
''Everyone seems to be doubting him getting the trip, but I tell you what, going on his work, he won't worry about it.
''He's got that advantage of a high cruising speed. You can put him in the race whereas others have to work to keep up with him. I think you get away with it a little bit when you have that high cruising speed.''
The former Opunake Cup winner travelled to Riccarton after winning a maiden steeplechase at Trentham last month, before Bidlake joined the son of Viking Ruler on Friday to put the finishing touches on him for the Koral. Bidlake was expecting a good run at Riccarton last week, even if a win was not necessarily on the cards.
''I thought he'd been competitive at 65kg but I was a little bit worried. I thought the track may be a bit too good for him.
''He's a genuine heavy-track horse and I thought the 4000m might be a little bit short in that sort of company. In saying that, I thought the horse was pretty well and he'd run a pretty good race.''
A ''pretty good'' race eventuated as he toiled away to knock off Palemo by 2 lengths.
''He came through really, really well. He's pretty much been eating all his feed since and been out in a nice wee paddock - he's really happy.''
Eric The Viking's best efforts have come on the wet surfaces, and Bidlake was quite hopeful of the weather playing its part leading up to the race.
''I'm standing outside now and there are a few heavy black clouds starting to linger. I wouldn't be surprised if we get a bit more.
''In saying that, the track's not going to be any better than it was last Saturday and he got through that all right. In an ideal world, a little bit more rain, but I'm not overly worried.''
Whatever happens tomorrow, the end might not be too far away for Eric The Viking, as Bidlake contemplates his future.
The gelding did not get a weight penalty for his win in the Koral as part of the conditions for the Grand National and will carry 65kg again. But he did gain 19 rating points, which could make his jumping future slightly limited.
''This week is probably his big go,'' Bidlake said.
''From after this Saturday, it's going to be a big ask for him. It's probably the grand final for him on Saturday.
''He's been great to me. He's put me on the map as a flat trainer and now as a jumps trainer so he owes me nothing. But he's still competitive and loving his racing, so as long as he does that, he'll be out there doing it.''
