Raz De Maree aimed at Randox Grand National at Aintree
Monday 2 January 2017 13:04, UK
Raz De Maree's main objective is the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on April 8, following his fine effort in the Welsh equivalent.
The Cork Grand National scorer closed the gap on winner Native River to a length and three-quarters at the line in the Chepstow marathon but could not quite get to the bold-jumping top-weight.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell plans to send Raz De Maree back to Britain for his next race, the Betfred Eider Chase on February 25, before heading to Liverpool for the world's greatest steeplechase.
"It was a great run in Chepstow. It was just disappointing to come up against a horse like that," said the Navan handler.
"He's come out of it good and has been in the form of his life. He'll probably go to the Eider and then the English National. That's the plan."
Cromwell felt stablemate Jer's Girl was not at her best for some reason when last of five behind Petit Mouchoir in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown last week.
None the worse for that disappointing display, Jer's Girl has the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as her main target.
"She ran a bit flat, but she's come out of the race okay," said Cromwell.
"She'll go for the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Whether she runs in between, I'm not sure."
Sky Bet offer Jer's Girl at 5/1 in their ante-post market for that race.
