Cheltenham winner Tiger Roll on course for Grand National bid
After achieving his third win at the Cheltenham Festival in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase, Tiger Roll is reported to be in great form as he bids to add Grand National glory to his Cheltenham heroics.
CROSS-COUNTRY winner Tiger Roll will spearhead Gordon Elliott's team in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on April 14.
Elliott's three-time Cheltenham Festival winner won't find stamina an issue, having landed the four-mile National Hunt Chase last season and he was an impressive winner of the Glenfarcles Cross-Country Chase at Prestbury Park earlier this month.
"He's had a great preparation. That cross-country race has been a lucky stepping stone over the years," said Elliott.
"He's in great form, he's well and the more the ground dries out between now and Aintree, the better the chance he'll have.
"He's a horse who when he's on song he's very good. It's the Grand National. If you're not in you can't win, and it's definitely the plan.
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"Soft ground wouldn't suit him. We haven't any firm plans who'll ride but it will be either Davy Russell or Jack Kennedy."
Last year's Cross-Country winner Cause Of Causes beat all bar One For Arthur at Aintree last April. His participation is not confirmed this year however after he was pulled-up at Cheltenham.
"Cause Of Causes was a bit sore after Cheltenham, we'll have to see how he is over the next couple of weeks," Elliott told At The Races.
Templegate's Treble
NAP 4.00 Southwell - Volatile: 'Has blown his rivals apart on the last three starts and latest 5lb rise won't stop him here'
NEXT BEST 4.15 Hereford - Bridane Rebel: 'Easily won over three miles last time and has bags of stamina'
TREBLE 6.10 Newcastle - Theglasgowwarrior: 'Is two from three here and has a fitness advantage over most'
A third possible is Ucello Conti. The 10-year-old was sixth two years ago but came down at Becher's Brook on the second circuit when still going well last year.
Elliott said: "He was travelling very well last year when he came down. If there's a horse in our yard who deserves to win a big one it's him - he's been placed in all the big handicaps.
"The ground was very soft the last time he ran but on his run behind Anibale Fly in the Paddy Power, he's got a very good chance."