Comply on road to Aintree

Grand National hero Comply Or Die remains on course to defend his crown at Aintree in April despite two lacklustre efforts this season.

The 10-year-old showed little in both outings at Cheltenham before Christmas but went without the blinkers that proved so effective last season.

Trainer David Pipe admits the aids will be applied on the gelding's return to action with all roads leading to the big race.

And he is likely to be joined by stable companion Madison Du Berlais, who was travelling well before falling in last year's race and proved himself better than ever with victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

"We are intending to give Comply Or Die and Madison Du Berlais an entry in this year's Grand National," said Pipe.

Blinkers back on

"Comply Or Die seems to be in good form at the moment. He has obviously been very disappointing so far this season and there hasn't appeared to be any reason for his lacklustre efforts.

"We may look at some of the decent long-distance chases around, but it is unlikely that he will make an appearance at Cheltenham prior to Aintree.

"He is rated too high for the totesport Eider Chase again but there are still other options available to him.

"The blinkers will be put on him at some stage. It is going to be harder for him, having won it last year. It would be great just to see him run a decent race beforehand.

"Madison Du Berlais has come out of the Hennessy in good form. He was jumping well in the John Smith's Grand National last year before falling at Canal Turn.

"He stays three miles and two furlongs well but the extra distance at Aintree is a bit of an unknown.

"He seemed to keep galloping at Newbury so I would be hopeful that he would get the National trip.

"He's got experience over the National fences so we will give him an entry in the race again this year and decide nearer the time."