3 minute read
Paul Nicholls will be looking for some Crabbie's Grand National hints as Rocky Creek lines up over the big fences in the Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree.
The nine-year-old has run in the National on two previous occasions, finishing fifth to Pineau De Re in 2014 but a well-beaten 17th this year.
He was subsequently pulled up at Sandown in April, but showed a return to his better form when chasing home the mighty Don Cossack at Down Royal in October.
Rocky Creek has proven his aptitude for the famous spruce obstacles, but Nicholls, who also saddles Fago, is intrigued to see how he fares switched back in distance to two miles and five furlongs.
The Ditcheat trainer said: "It's interesting dropping back in trip with him.
"He won over three miles at Kempton, but it's an easy three and I don't think he's ever won over further.
"He's never short of ability, He often works with Vibrato Valtat and he's got plenty of pace.
"There's a question mark on testing ground about the trip, but it will be tough with top weight."
Nicholls told Racing UK: "He was second in a Grade One to Don Cossack the other day.
"He's not easy to place. He's hardly a Grade One horse, but runs well in them.
"I've always viewed him as a National horse. Two years ago he ran well in it, so I suppose we'd have a look at that again."
Rathlin will be having his first start for Micky Hammond, having previously been trained by Mouse Morris.
He finished third in the Topham Chase over the National course in April, but subsequently lost his way and changed hands for just £11,000 at Doncaster in September.
Hammond said: "He was third of 30 in the Topham so the Sefton is the obvious race and we've be aiming for it.
"I would imagine he'll almost certainly have an National entry, following the old-fashioned rule of a two-and-a-half-mile horse.
"We've been pleased with him. It was Charlie Swan who told me to buy him.
"We gave him a little break, but have been pushing his buttons lately."
Double Ross is another who struggled to show his best last term but appears to be back on song.
The nine-year-old chased home Pendra on his return to action in October, before claiming a fine fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He's bounced right back to his best this season.
"He ran well behind Pendra over three miles at Ascot and ran a blinder in the Paddy Power.
"As he's been round the National course before I can't see the fences proving a problem. He'll run well."
Last year's surprise winner Poole Master tries again for David Pipe, while Irish interest in the 17-strong field revolves around the Sandra Hughes-trained Art of Logistics.
