Ben Brookhouse is keen to give Aslukgoes some more experience as he works towards his main spring target at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.
Unbeaten in three starts, the son of Yorgunnabelucky scooped Listed honours at Newbury in his most recent outing – a performance that brought big-race targets in the spring into the equation.
On that occasion the Roger Brookhouse-owned five-year-old stayed on strongly in the hands of Jack Quinlan and his handler is confident he is one of the best bumper horses in the UK.
Still unbeaten! 🏇
Aslukgoes makes it three wins from as many starts by coming home best in the Listed @BetfairRacing Only Better Podcast Bumper @NewburyRacing.
However, with Cheltenham quickly ruled out in the aftermath and still remaining unlikely – and a trip to Ireland for the Punchestown Festival also dismissed – it is the Grade Two Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race on Grand National day where Aslukgoes will get the opportunity to prove his quality on the big stage.
“I haven’t noticed a bumper horse yet in the UK which travels at the speed he does and can also produce a finishing effort like him,” said the Newmarket-based handler.
“Jack (Quinlan) was very confident on him at Newbury and he was nowhere near finished at the line. He idles when he gets to the front, as he showed at Worcester and at Fontwell, hence why we are keeping him in bumpers for a long time, just to help his mentality and educate him.
“He is a horse with a lot of ability and a very good attitude. Three days after Newbury he was back to his old self which is unbelievable.
“We straight away ruled out Cheltenham, but when he was bouncing after Newbury I had a conversation with dad and said ‘look, I’ve got to train this horse for Cheltenham’ because I have to maintain and manage his mentality.
“So we are training him for Cheltenham, but he probably won’t get entered for Cheltenham.”
He continued: “He might go to Uttoxeter for the bumper on Midlands National day. He will have a penalty and Daire McConville will probably take 7lb off him, or there is a bumper at Kelso (March 25) on a big day that is worth quite a lot of money he could go to.
“We toyed with the idea of Punchestown, but that probably won’t be the place to take him because it is a trip away and it is all about maintaining his mentality and energy levels.
“He is a horse with lots of natural ability, a good moving and, touch wood, a very sound horse.
“Aintree is the goal for him and it would do the stallion good. I would like to think we would finish the season unbeaten with him as a bumper horse and then we will focus on getting him jumping and making some nice shapes before worrying what trip he would want over hurdles.”
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Hurricane Bay could head to the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree’s Grand National Festival having returned to winning ways at Doncaster on Wednesday.
Lucy Wadham’s seven-year-old shed his maiden tag on Town Moor in November and was making his third appearance at the South Yorkshire track having also finished a gallant third in the Grade Two River Don Novices’ Hurdle last month.
Sent off the 4-9 for the Virgin Bet EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle, he had just three other rivals to beat and although the winning margin of 47 lengths suggests victory was a formality, John Quinn’s Imperial Merlin was determined to make a real race of it before coming down at the final flight.
Hurricane Bay ridden by Bryony Frost on their way to winning the Virgin Bet EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster Racecourse (Mike Egerton/PA)
“It was a bit of a shame that Imperial Merlin came down at the last as it would have been interesting to see what would have happened. Although I did feel we did have him covered,” said Wadham.
“We wanted to find something a bit easier for him as he has had some quite tough races, obviously it has worked out well and we’re delighted.
“Although he’s qualified for Sandown, I think we will go to Aintree for the three-mile novice hurdle. He will probably have an entry in the three-mile handicap as well but I suspect we will end up in the novice.
“He obviously ran very well in the River Don and presumably we will have to meet the winner and the second again. I do think Aintree, the track and the ground, will suit him and it’s worth a go – he’s rated 133 now and I think he’s entitled to have a go.”
Harry Derham is hoping Shared (4-1) has done enough to earn a spot in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival following his win in the Virgin Bet Daily Money Back Novices’ Hurdle.
“Paul (O’Brien, jockey) produced the tactics perfectly,” said the former assistant to Paul Nicholls.
Shared ridden by Paul O’Brien (right) goes on to win the Virgin Bet Daily Money Back Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster Racecourse (Mike Egerton/PA)
“He ran pretty well at Musselburgh last time, he just didn’t handle the last track, but we needed to get three runs into him. A big, galloping track, going left-handed was always going to suit him much better and he’s done it really nicely, he’s progressive.
“That (the Boodles) is the ambition and dream and you would like to think after winning two and only beaten four lengths in a Listed race, you would get in now. He’s the type of horse that is tough and hardy, jumps slick and you would like to think he would run a nice race.”
All eyes were on Beep Beep Burrow in the concluding Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Open National Hunt Flat Race, but the 2-1 favourite was swiftly pulled up way before Neil Mulholland’s Inoui Machin (11-4) got the better of Cuban Court in a pulsating finish.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2.71088127-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-02-22 17:51:022023-02-22 17:51:02Aintree on Wadham’s mind for Hurricane Bay
Willie Mullins has his usual strong hand in the Randox Grand National but seems sweet on the chances of Mr Incredible following his good run at Warwick recently.
Having just his second start since leaving Henry de Bromhead, Mr Incredible finished second to Iwilldoit in the Classic Chase – a race which has been a good pointer to Aintree in the past.
Mullins has several others with leading claims, including Grade One-winning novices Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil, with Thyestes winner Carefully Selected another to consider.
Running through his entries, Mullins said: “Burrows Saint (10st 12lb) jumps well around the National, finished fourth in 2021. He’s had a little bit of time off with a few training problems and he comes back for his first run in the Bobbyjo this week. That’s usually a good pointer for the National. If he runs well there he could have a good crack at the National.
Capodanno was a Grade One winner last season (Niall Carson/PA)
“Capodanno (11st 5lb) is very interesting. He won a three-mile Grade One novice at the end of last season, I think he stays the trip. At the moment I think we’re going for the Gold Cup.
“Carefully Selected (11st 1lb) won the Thyestes and the Thyestes, at our local track at Gowran Park, is always a great guide to the Grand National so I’ve no problem with him staying the trip and I’ve no problem with him jump around. He’s a good each-way, I think, for the National.
“Franco De Port (11st 3lb) is another who loves a trip and loves jumping. He was third in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and that sort of form would give him a chance in a National.
“Gaillard Du Mesnil (11st) is a novice in name, (but) he’s a second-season novice.
“He eventually broke his maiden at Christmas, winning a three-mile Grade One novice at Leopardstown and that’s good form.
“He jumps and stays and will probably go to Cheltenham first and, all being well, have a good crack at the National after that.
“Mr Incredible (10st 4lb) is a nice horse and that run at Warwick puts him right in there – I think he has a nice weight for the National too.
“Recite A Prayer (10st 1lb) ran around Aintree and is usually a very good jumper. He’s a horse that lots of lads will putting their hands up to ride.
“You have Grade One form with Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil, but I think Mr Incredible is a nice horse and his run in Warwick puts him right there.”
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“Hewick has a big weight, but he’s used to carrying a big weight. What can we do? There isn’t anything we can do about it. When they’re good they get those weights and that’s it.
“He gave a stone and a half to everything in Listowel (unseated at final fence in Kerry National) so I don’t see why we wouldn’t go again.
“Cape Gentleman’s weight is lovely, I’m very happy with that. I’m delighted with that weight – he’ll think he is loose. I’d say they’ll both run.”
Corach Rambler looks weighted to run a big race (Nigel French/PA)
Trainer Lucinda Russell – Corach Rambler (10st 5lb)
“I’m absolutely delighted with that weight and if we got that in the Grand National, that would be fantastic. He only needs a couple of horses to come out so he’ll probably get a run, so that’s super.
“We haven’t really run him since the Coral Gold Cup so that he could get in the race off this mark.
“He’ll now probably run at Cheltenham (in the Ultima). The big question is going to be if he takes to the fences. I think nowadays the fences are a lot kinder than they were and he’s a very intelligent horse – if he doesn’t take to them we’ll know by the fourth or fifth fence.”
“He needs a few still to come out but the plan is to go to the Grand National. He will go to the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham first, where he will be ridden by Derek O’Connor, then on to Aintree.
“He ran in the Topham last season which possibly came a bit quick after his run at Cheltenham but he seemed to enjoy going over the fences and this has always been the plan to come back for a go at the Grand National.”
Harry Skelton and Le Milos at Newbury (John Walton/PA)
Tom Messenger, assistant to trainer Dan Skelton – Le Milos (10st 11lb) and Ashtown Lad (10st 3lb)
“Le Milos has got a lovely profile and it’s exciting that he’s guaranteed a run. He’s a proven stayer and although he hasn’t been over the fences before, I don’t see it being an issue.
“He’s one we’re really excited about. He won the Coral Gold Cup off 146 so he’s only 6lb higher here. I think he’s off a competitive weight and fingers crossed we get there.
“Ashtown Lad has been running well over hurdles – we’ve been running him over timber since his win in the Becher Chase at Aintree. Ideally we’d have run him over fences last weekend at Ascot but the ground was too quick, so we gave him another run over hurdles (finished third in Rendlesham at Haydock).
“He’s obviously proven his ability over fences, though he didn’t look as though he stayed at Ayr last year in the Scottish Grand National. He’s a year older and stronger now, so he’s got the option of the National or the Topham if he doesn’t get in.”
Trainer Donald McCain – Minella Trump (10st 6lb)
“It’s all about getting in the race and getting a run. Obviously it’s a way off yet, but that’s a lovely racing weight.
“He was very busy for a while and he needed a holiday so he’s had a break and he’s back in fast work now. We’ll try to get a run in somewhere but if we can’t, we’ll get him away from home.
“It’s been an ambition to get Tim (Leslie, owner) a runner in the Grand National, so if we can get there that’s great.
“The modern day Grand National has changed a bit but he stays, he’s a thorough professional and he knows how to win.”
Trainer Kim Bailey – Happygolucky (10st 11lb)
“The plan is to run him next in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Festival. He has always given us the impression he is a very good jumper. He has been quite careful this season but he hasn’t had his ground – ideally he wants proper winter ground.”
Trainer David Pipe – Remastered (10st 10lb)
“Remastered has had a good season. He finished very strongly on his last start over fences at Kempton, then he disappointed at Sandown back over hurdles last time. I’m not really sure what happened that day, but you can put a line through it.
“He is in at Kempton on Saturday and he might go there but wherever he goes he needs to bounce back. If he doesn’t, it might put an outing in the National in doubt.”
Cloudy Glen looks a National type (Tim Goode/PA)
Mick Meagher, racing manager to the Hemmings family – Cloudy Glen (10st 4lb)
“I’m very happy with that. It’s essentially the same weight that he carried on Saturday (when third in Grand National Trial at Haydock). I’d say if he got into a rhythm, then why not?
“He’ll probably run at Cheltenham in the Ultima and then we’ll go to Aintree.”
Joe Chambers, racing manager to owners Rich and Susannah Ricci – Royale Pagaille (11st 8lb) and Burrows Saint (10st 12lb)
“Royale Pagaille suffered a little injury during the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, hence why he hasn’t been seen since. I spoke with Venetia (Williams, trainer) last week and he is on track to run in the Gold Cup, albeit without a run.
“He is very ground dependent and in order for him to be seen at his best, he does need it to be as soft as possible. With that being said, he had performed very well in handicaps in the UK and we’ve always thought that a Grand National would suit him.”
Trainer Joe Tizzard – The Big Breakaway (10st 10lb)
“He is running off his mark of 151 and that is a lovely racing weight he has. I don’t think they will go up much at all, so he gets in nicely and he is guaranteed a run.
“The plan is to take him to the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, then on to Aintree afterwards. Last season we struggled with his shins a bit and we tried to get away with it but it didn’t work. We treated them and we haven’t looked back since.”
The Big Dog at Limerick (PA)
Trainer Peter Fahey – The Big Dog (11st 5lb)
“I thought he was going to run a good race at Leopardstown (when falling at the second-last in the Irish Gold Cup), so I’m definitely happy. He’s in the mix and it’s a nice weight for him.
“He’s coming into it with a lot to recommend him and I think it’s the ideal race for him. It’s kind of been the plan all year and it’s nice to have a horse going over for it.”
Trainer Henry de Bromhead – Envoi Allen (11st 8lb) and Chris’s Dream (11st), Ain’t That A Shame (10st 5lb), Gin On Lime (10st 4lb)
“Envoi Allen is in the Ryanair. We’re not sure yet – we’ll see. We haven’t firmed up anything yet.
“Chris’s Dream is going for the Festival Hunters’ Chase and we’ll see from there.
“That weight seems fair enough for Ain’t That A Shame. I’d say we’ll look to get another run in – there are a couple of options or he might just go straight there.
“Gin On Lime’s weight is in and around her mark. I’d say well go for the cross-country at Cheltenham and then go to Aintree.”
Trainer Martin Brassil – Longhouse Poet (11st)
“I think if you’re anywhere around 10st 10lb to 11st 2lb or 11st 3lb then you have a reasonable weight. There are more horses winning with over 11st than there used to be.
“I think the year I won it (Numbersixvalverde, 2006) I had 10st 8lb and I had another horse finish third on about 10st 11lb or 10st 12lb, but the better class of horses are running in it since the course was modified and a lot of them are getting involved in the finish of it.
“Longhouse Poet was sixth in the race last year and he’s going to run this week in the Bobbyjo (Chase).”
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Fergal O’Brien believes top novice hurdler Hullnback would struggle to handle the hustle and bustle of the Cheltenham Festival.
Connections of the six-year-old have therefore decided to bypass the meeting in favour of a return to Aintree, the scene of his runner-up effort in a Grade Two bumper at the Grand National meeting last April.
Hullnback has looked a smart hurdling prospect in each of his three attempts this term, finishing runner-up to Pikar at Chepstow in October and twice winning subsequently.
His defeat of Nemean Lion at Haydock the following month was franked when Kerry Lee’s runner was placed in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle, and having justified odds of 2-5 at Warwick with ease off a 73-day break last time, O’Brien feels the potential must be nurtured.
“We just feel that Cheltenham would absolutely blow his mind,” said the in-form Withington handler.
“He’s a lovely young horse. He had good form round Aintree last year and he ran well the other day.
“As far as we are concerned, he has his whole career ahead of him, but mentally he is not ready for Cheltenham.”
O’Brien looks set to pit his charge against top-class opposition at Aintree, planning to give him entries in both the Top Novices’ Hurdle and the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.
He added: “The plan is to go to Aintree. He’ll be put in the two and two-and-a-half-miler. Paddy (Brennan, jockey) and the boys are favouring the two-miler. We’ll enter him in both and see which one he’d have his best chance in.
Hullnback (middle) finished behind Lookaway at Aintree (David Davies/PA)
“We just felt that, all things being equal, there were more negatives than positives to go to Cheltenham.
“He’s young and he’s so very raw it’s not true. I would love to go to Cheltenham and both his owners wanted to go to Cheltenham, but in fairness they left it to myself and Paddy.
“We just felt, to give the horse the best chance going forward, Aintree was better for him.
“We know what we’ve got. When he gets on a lorry and gets to the track, he just turns into a thug.
“We thought Cheltenham in March would be like a cauldron for him to boil over. He could have run his race by the time he got to the bottom of the chute.
“Aintree is shorter walk from the parade ring to the track and he knows it, as he’s been there last year.
“If you saw him at home, you’d think he was a little pet. He loves attention, but he definitely has a bite to him.”
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Coko Beach looks to have booked a return to Aintree having led home a Gordon Elliott one-two-three in the QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
Fourth to stablemate Death Duty in this 12 months ago, the eight-year-old went on to finish a well-held eighth behind Noble Yeats in the Randox Grand National two runs later and could now follow a similar path having found the scoresheet for the first time since February 2021.
The classy grey arrived at the Kildare track on the back of a respectable fourth in the Thyestes at Gowran last month and was sent off the shortest of the four Cullentra House representatives at 7-1.
Another big pot for Coko!
Coko Beach leads home a 1-2-3 for @gelliott_racing and Gigginstown Stud in the feature QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase @punchestownrace.
Never far from the pace in the hands of Ben Harvey, he edged his way to the front travelling with plenty of zest at four out.
Sam Curling’s 15-8 favourite Angels Dawn was also moving menacingly into contention and looked a real threat when moving to Coko Beach’s tail three out.
However, the race was soon over as a contest when Angels Dawn unshipped Cian Quirke at the second-last and all that the blinkered Coko Beach had to do was burn off the retreating Stones And Roses and storm up the straight for a commanding five-and-a-half-length success over the defending champion Death Duty, with Defi Bleu the bronze medallist a further half length back.
Both Paddy Power and Betfair went 33-1 from 66s for the Grand National on April 15, and Elliott confirmed Aintree was on the agenda.
He said: “We said we’d ride him a little bit more restrained today, just take our time a little bit more as we’ve been making a lot of use of him lately.
“I thought he ran a good race, he jumped well and he said when he got to the front he didn’t do a stroke. He gave the last a big jump and it’s nice to win it.
“I’d imagine he’ll go to Aintree, there’s not much at Cheltenham for him. I’d imagine they’ll all be heading towards the Nationals, English and Irish.
Coko Beach, here ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr in action during the Randox Grand National in 2022, is on course for a return to Aintree (Mike Egerton/PA)
“The winner runs his race all the time and is a grand horse. He finished eighth in the National last year and was right there until the third-last.
“Death Duty ran well, he said he would have been bang there only for missing the fourth- and third-last.
“He’s a good horse but he’s not easy to train”
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Dan Skelton believes the lack of British-trained runners in the Grand National shows responsibility from his colleagues in the training ranks – while also calling some of the recent remarks from the handicapper unhelpful.
Only 31 of the initial 85 entries for the Aintree marathon on April 15 are trained in the UK with the Irish responsible for almost two-thirds of the possibles as they look to extend their winning streak in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
British Horseracing Authority handicapper Martin Greenwood, the man responsible for framing the Grand National weights, suggested the lack of UK-trained contenders reflected the “demise” of the National Hunt scene in Britain.
Trainer Dan Skelton believes it is responsible of his fellow trainers to selectively enter their horses in the Grand National (Joe Giddens/PA)
However, Skelton is quick to defend his fellow handlers by pointing out the various reasons which have led to this situation as well as well as the fact trainers need to take a responsible approach towards the stamina-sapping event.
He said: “I find the handicapper’s comments offensive. He said it shows the demise of British racing. He’s an official of British racing and he shouldn’t be making comments like that. I just find it offensive.
“We don’t ask a referee when they come off a pitch what they think. It is an official’s job to officiate and I thought that was a rather unhelpful comment.
“I wouldn’t use the word demise but the numbers are down. So you are only going to get those horses that are eligible entered and we do have a few less in the UK than perhaps did and will have in the future.”
Skelton went on: “What you have to remember about races like the Grand National is the race is really tough.
“People look at all the positives of these races, but the negatives never get covered. A horse that goes and has a bad experience in the Grand National, it might never get over it, it could take a year to get over it, you just never know.
“Putting your horse in that arena when it isn’t ready for it is sometimes not the right thing to do, so when you see that entries are down there is a whole plethora of reasons for it.
“In a way I actually feel it is responsible, I feel it is a responsible reaction and I think the more people who consider exactly what goes on rather than thinking it’s the Grand National I want a runner in it, the better for us all because it’s a tough, tough race.
“Yes 100-1 shots can win it, but non-staying 100-1 shots don’t.
Le Milos (centre) could give Dan Skelton a fine chance of winning the Randox Grand National on April 15 (John Walton/PA)
“There is a lot of thought that goes into it and I think if people actually thought, you know what, I’m not going to (enter), I say good decision because there is nothing comfortable about seeing horses not complete in that race and I think we’ve all got a part to play there.”
Skelton was a part of Paul Nicholls’ backroom staff when Neptune Collonges landed the Grand National by the barest of margins in 2012.
At the time Ditcheat was home to a galaxy of National Hunt superstars, but the Lodge Hill handler explained how he was blown away by the locals love of the popular John Hales-owned grey and how he would love to win the race himself one day.
“I love the race, I think it is a fabulous public spectacle,” continued Skelton.
“The Liverpudlians fully embrace it as their race and everyone knows we love going up to Aintree, it’s a fabulous place to go.
“I would love to win it and when I worked for Paul I was staggered by the public adoration when Neptune Collonges won.
“I guess it helped he was a grey horse but at the time we had the likes of Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded, Big Buck’s – all these superstars – and we thought we were fairly used to public interest in a our horses and then along comes a Grand National winner and it blows your mind.
“It is great for the sport and I think we should be concentrating on the positives rather than using the word demise.”
In response to Skelton’s comments, a BHA spokesperson said: “Any fan of British jump racing wants to see as many entries as possible in our greatest race taking on the best that Ireland and the rest of the world has to offer.
“It’s what makes the Grand National such an exciting event that is watched internationally by millions of people.
“And while the number of entries is down on previous years there is a huge amount of good work going on within the sport – including by BHA officials – to ensure that British jump racing is in the best position to flourish.
“Martin was simply trying to reflect the disappointment of many British racing fans and it is regrettable if his comments caused any concern.”
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The Big Dog has been given a clean bill of health following his fall in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, with trainer Peter Fahey reporting it is all systems go for a tilt at the Randox Grand National on April 15.
Winner of the Munster National on his first start of the season, he followed up by claiming the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan in November – a victory that had connections dreaming of Aintree in the spring.
He then continued his fine campaign by finishing third off top-weight in the Welsh Grand National before being handed a Grade One assignment at the Dublin Racing Festival earlier this month.
Tasked with tackling the likes of Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs and Stattler, the 10-year-old was more than holding his own and having travelled sweetly throughout, was well in the shake up when coming to grief at the second last.
However, he is none the worse for that tumble and all roads now lead to the Merseyside marathon, where The Big Dog is a general 25-1 shot to continue the dominance of Irish-trained horses in the race.
“It looked like he was going to run a big race when he came down. Where his finishing position would have been I don’t know, but the one thing he was always going to do was stay on from the back of the second-last,” said Fahey.
“We were thrilled with his run and although he had a bad fall, he has come out of it well. We will just build up his confidence now with a bit of jumping and the main aim will be to go to Aintree.
“He’s back working away and exercising away and everything seems fine and all going well, we’ll be at Aintree.
“At the moment we’re not looking at running him again, but we still need to get him back jumping and schooling. If he hasn’t lost his confidence too much, we’d definitely not think about running again. If I think he needs a run to get his confidence back then we will give him one, but I would be leaning towards not running him.”
He went on: “He’s had a busy enough season and we know he goes well fresh. I think he’s done enough and if his jumping is OK after his fall, we’ll head straight to Aintree.
“If all things went well the last day, I think he would have run above his mark again which would have been a big performance and I think he proved he appreciated a bit of nicer ground as well, so there are definitely a few plusses to take out of his run in the Irish Gold Cup.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3780c65c-69fc-41cc-87ee-0a84ee38c1e7.jpg10082016DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-02-12 14:25:302023-02-12 14:25:30The Big Dog on course for Grand National assignment
Dan Skelton could be set for a two-pronged assault on the Randox Grand National, with both Le Milos and Ashtown Lad catching the eye among the 85 entries for the April 15 contest.
Only 31 of the possible runners for the Merseyside marathon hail from British trainers, but both of the Lodge Hill contenders strike as live candidates for the Aintree showpiece judged on their exploits before Christmas when landing the Coral Gold Cup and Becher Chase respectively.
The duo are now now being prepared to run again over the next few weeks, with Le Milos set to complete his National preparation in Kelso’s Premier Chase – a race which has been used by the likes of Ballabriggs and Many Clouds to tune up for Aintree in the past – while Ashtown Lad will head to Ascot on February 18 before a final decision on his participation is made.
“They are both really well and we’ve had no problems at all,” said Skelton.
Le Milos and jockey Harry Skelton (centre) coming home to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (John Walton/PA)
“Le Milos goes to Kelso on March 4 for the Premier Chase and Ashtown Lad hopefully runs next at Ascot in the Swinley Handicap Chase, and then we will have a think about what we do with him.
“Le Milos will go to Kelso and then straight to the Grand National. I’m very happy with him.
“Ashtown Lad is proven over the fences, but there is a question mark over the trip. The plan is to run him next Saturday and then have a proper think about it.”
The Irish have dominated the Grand National in recent years winning the last four and five of the last six runnings. They are responsible for almost two thirds of the initial entries this time around with entries from the home team thin on the ground.
Another big-race on a Saturday goes to team Skelton 🏇
However, the man responsible for two of the better-fancied British runners believes the lack of numbers could be due to trainers having to be more selective with their entries.
“We’ve got two nice entries,” explained Skelton. “The Grand National is unique, you have to stay the trip number one and you have to be appropriate for the fences.
“It costs £950 at the first stage and I think the down on numbers entry is reflective of the whole situation at the moment. People have to be responsible with their entries, you can’t just fire anything in. Perhaps people are just being a bit more delicate with their entries.”
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Phil Kirby is eyeing the Randox Topham Chase for Top Ville Ben following his brave third at Leopardstown during the Dublin Racing Festival.
The forward-going 11-year-old was one of only three UK raiders to line-up in Ireland over the course of the two-day meeting,but that enterprise was rewarded when the Green Oaks Farm stalwart brought home €13,500 of prize-money for connections following his placed effort in the Bulmers Leopardstown Handicap Chase.
Although sent off a rather unfancied 28-1 in the hands of Thomas Dowson, he gave a bold sight – jumping and galloping with aplomb close to the pace and only giving way late in the day to eventual winner The Goffer and Glamorgan Duke who picked up the silver medal.
Kirby was delighted to see the adaptable son of Beneficial run to form and also praised the warm hospitality both himself and Top Ville Ben’s owners received at Leopardstown.
He said: “He ran really well and we were really pleased.
“Obviously we would have liked to have won but the horse ran really well, the owners had a brilliant time and we were all very well looked after. It’s just a shame the ground dried up a little bit. I think with softer ground, he would have finished even closer.
“There were no excuses though, everything went to plan really and we were sat where we wanted to be and we came there with every chance – he just wasn’t quite good enough on the day. He’s done everything right though and I suppose he’s a bit exposed being a bit older than the rest of them.
“We gave our running, ran and jumped well and it was a great day out. You would certainly go back and it was good prize-money – it was definitely worth going that’s for sure.
“Hopefully there will be another nice day for him as long as the handicapper doesn’t do anything drastic – or anything at all really. I think he’s about right where he is.”
Top Ville Ben (left), The Goffer (centre) and Glamorgan Duke (right) jump the last in the Bulmers Leopardstown Handicap Chase at Leopardstown on Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)
Ground will determine if Top Ville Ben will run again before his spring target and tackling the Grand National fences for a third time at Aintree on April 14.
“The main plan now will be the Topham,” continued Kirby. “Whether we have a run in between or not, we will have to see how things pan out. It’s a dry forecast so I can’t see anything happening too soon, but the plan would be hopefully we get some nice ground at Aintree and we’ll have a go at the Topham.
“I think if we got some soft ground he would go there with a nice chance. Although I think the drier it is, his chance dries up a bit with it. The more rain, the more in his favour it would be.”
Conditions are also set to dictate where Jason The Militant will be next seen with an outing at the Cheltenham Festival an option, provided rain arrives to slow the ground up at Prestbury Park.
“We’re a bit stuck with him really as he is probably a bit more ground dependent than Ben,” added Kirby.
“We’ll have to see how things go but there is a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (County Hurdle) he can run in and there is also the Champion Hurdle. If that was to cut up and it came up soft, then there is probably worse places we could go to try to pick up some good prize-money.”
He went on: “I thought he ran really well for his first run back and he probably needed it a little bit. He didn’t do an awful lot wrong really, he was just given an impossible task in a handicap first time out for a while.
“We needed to get a run into him and the ground was a bit too quick but we got away with it. I wouldn’t really want to run him on ground like that too often.”
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