Thursday 7 April 2016 15:40, UK
Nick Scholfield is eager for another taste of the Crabbie's Grand National when he partners the grey Unioniste at Aintree this weekend.
The eight-year-old represents the trainer-owner combination of Paul Nicholls and John Hales, who were successful with Neptune Collonges in a thrilling 2012 renewal.
Scholfield knows his way around the famous fences on Merseyside, having been third on Teaforthree in 2013, and partnered Unioniste to be second to last year's winner Many Clouds recently at Kelso - a run that has not dented confidence.
He said: "He ran a pleasing race that day at Kelso, considering the weights - I am sure the further distance will suit him. I know he fell last year, but I am hoping the experience of running in the race last year will stand him in good stead on the day."
When asked if he would be on any other horse in the great race, Scholfield replied promptly: "Unioniste: You have to be confident in your horse in the National, else you probably won't win. It's a lottery, really, you just have to hope your horse travels well and go from there.
"I've experienced going over the last in the joint lead on Teaforthree with Oscar Time in 2013, which was a good spin - once you've had a bite of the cherry you want a bit more.
"Anything can happen in the National, that's what makes it so special."
Meanwhile, Scholfield believes Many Clouds would not be favourite against Unioniste's stablemate Silviniaco Conti in any other race than the National.
He said: "I don't feel there is much between the two, other than Many Clouds having obviously won last year - you know the horse will stay the distance and he has run well this year.
"I have seen lots of Silviniaco and he has been schooling really well at home, he's at a nice weight and has been jumping very well. I suppose the only question is if he stays or not.
"Obviously anything can happen in a National and I don't think many would be surprised if Many Clouds did win, but I believe in a normal race against Silviniaco, he would be favourite instead of Many Clouds."
