BACKSTAGE is set to continue his preparation for the John Smith’s Grand National with a run in a Irish point-to-point at the weekend.
Gordon Elliott’s nine-year-old landed a three-mile contest at Kirkistown over two weeks ago and is set for his second run in a similar event on Sunday before another Aintree date.
Elliott, who landed the National in 2007 with his first runner in the race Silver Birch, is hoping Backstage will improve on last year’s showing in the National when he unseated his rider at the 20th fence behind Don’t Push It.
Backstage – who is a best-priced 18-1 with William Hill, bet365 and Boylesports for Aintree – last run over orthodox fences was in the Galway Plate seven months ago and will carry 10st12lb in the National.
Elliott said: “He’s good and is going for a point-to-point next Sunday and then he’ll go for the Grand National,.
“He won a point-to-point a couple of weeks ago and everything is on course for the National again so far.”
Several Grand National candidates will also have their final prep run before Aintree at Doncaster and Newbury on Saturday.
Donald McCain’s Ballabriggs was among the 23 entries for 3m2f Grimthorpe Chase on Town Moor. Others who also hold an entry at Aintree and could run at Doncaster are Killyglen, Chief Dan George, Merigo and Character Building. While down at Newbury last year’s National hero Don’t Push It, third home Big Fella Thanks and Niche Market are entered in the Wiltshire County Show Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Chase.
Ballabriggs is currently a best-priced 14-1 second favourite with most firms behind The Midnight Club.
McCain’s 10-year-old has won on his two starts this term, both in novice hurdles.
But his trainer is looking to send him back over fences for the first time since he landed the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival.
The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding is also entered in Kelso’s Totesport.com Premier Chase. And McCain will wait before making a final decision over which race he will use as his final prep run before Aintree.
McCain said: “I’ll have a look at both races and nothing will be decided until I talk to Trevor (Hemmings).”
TODAY’S NAP: Shaded Edge (5.25pm Lingfield).
