Top Aintree hopefuls set to visit Doncaster for Grimthorpe

Leading Grand National fancies Junior, Ballabriggs and West End Rocker feature among 15 entries for the William Hill Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

Last year’s Aintree hero Ballabriggs, trained by Donald McCain, is also in at Kelso and Newbury on the same day.

David Pipe’s Junior is likely to be given a run back over fences after returning from a long break with an outing over hurdles at Newbury recently.

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West End Rocker, from Alan King’s stable, showed his aptitude for the National obstacles when winning the Becher Chase on his latest start in December. He also holds an engagement in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.

Cheltenham, rather than Aintree, is the main objective for Fruity O’Rooney, who was third in the Sky Bet Chase at this course in January.

That was a tremendous effort considering his saddle slipped and jockey Jamie Moore lost his irons in the closing stages.

Trainer Gary Moore has given the nine-year-old the option of this race if it looks like he may not make the cut for the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

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“His form is solid and he’s a very consistent horse,” he said.

Other Grimthorpe entries include Wetherby course specialist Mac Aeda from the yard of Malcolm Jefferson whose own National prospect, According To Pete, is set to complete his Aintree build-up at Kelso. He came to prominence after winning Wetherby’s Rowland Meyrick Chase, and then the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, thanks to inspired rides from rising star Harry Haynes.

n AP McCoy, the 16-times champion jockey, makes a rare foray to Catterick today as novice hurdler Aland Islands puts his unbeaten record on the line.

A five-length bumper winner last Spring, Tim Vaughan’s gelding then struck over obstacles at Hexham in November.

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That McCoy, anxious to avoid injury or suspension ahead of Cheltenham, takes the ride is a tip in itself.

Stopped Out, meanwhile, can claim the Beginners’ Chase. The grey, trained at Middleham by Kate Walton, has filled the runner-up spot on four of his five starts over fences, chasing home smart sorts like Notus De La Tour and Bold Sir Brian.

n Christopher Lynn, who works for Ferdy Murphy, won the newcomer of the year at yesterday’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Lad Awards.

In the high achiever category Andrew Bottomley – who works for Mark Johnston – was runner-up to Clifford Baker, the man lucky enough to ride out the great Kauto Star every day at the yard of Paul Nicholls.

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