Grand National clues at Doncaster and Kelso

Almost all the Cheltenham hopefuls have had their last prep race before the N.H. Festival, which starts in 11 days time, but today sees two races which could have a bearing on ther Grand National, to be run on April 6th. At Doncaster, the handicap chase over 3 1/4 miles at 15.55 CET has several Grand National entries in the line-up, notably the two top weights Calgary Bay (Mick Channon/ Tony McCoy) and Join Togeher (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) - the latter being apparently the big Aintree hope for last year´s winning stable. Both should appreciate the drying ground and go on the short list. Ikorodu Road (Matt Sheppard/Charlie Poste) won this last year, but is up in the weigjhts and we think that vtoday´s field is sztronger. In December over 3 miles here he finished a close fifth behind Court by Surprise (Emma Lavelle/ Dougie Costello), and Keith Reveley´s two runners Night in Milan (Nico de Boinville), and Corkage (James Reveley), with Quentin Collonges and Mr. Moonshine furt her back. In our view., Corkage - a course yspecialkist- now comnes out brest of theser at the weights. This is a very open race and Mr. Moss (Evan Williams/ Paul Moloney) and Billie Magern (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ Adam Wedge) must be considered, but we think the two top-weights and the two Reveley runners are the pick.

Nicholls and Walsh should in any case take the novice chase at 14.15 with Themilanhorse as well as the handicap chase at 15.20 with top-weight Toubab, where the lightly-weighted Prince of Dreams (Ed and Felix de Giles) looks the main danger. Aaim to Prosper, a smart stayer on the flat and twice winner of the Cesarewitch, has not been fully convincing over hurdles so far, but he is now stepped up in trip and could be another winner for the Nicholls/ Walsh team at 16.30. Another smart flat horse that can finally get his head in front over hurdles is Thimaar (Donald McCain/ Adrian Lane) in the novice hurdle at 17.05. Unfortunately the drying ground means that there are quite a few non-runners and punters are advised to check before placing their bets.

At Kelso, the listed chase over just short of 3 miles at 17.15 is thr main feature and 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) - if he runs - is best in at the weights. However we do not expect him to beat the much-improved Harry Topper (Kim Bailey/ Timmy Murphy), who has been a revelation this season. Bold Sir Brian (Lucinda Russell/ Peter Buchanan) fell heavily last time, but had won 5 of his 6 previous races and is the main danger. Lucinda also runs Lord of Drums in the 2 mile handicap chase at 16.05 and Ballyben in the Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.40 and both will have their supporters, but we prefer Sacre Toi (James Ewart/ Dale Irving) and the very promising Eduard (Nicky Richards/ Brian Harding) respectively.