Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LION ROARING TO GO
GRAND NATIONAL favourite Blaklion is back in “flying form” after a wind operation.
The Nigel Twiston-davies nine-year-old, fourth to One For Arthur at Aintree last April, was beaten 54 lengths when second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month.
But Twiston-davies (right), twice a National hero with Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree four years later, is confident Blaklion — the 12-1 market leader for the world’s most famous steeplechase — is back to his best after going under the knife.
“He had a soft palate operation,” revealed the trainer. “We thought there would be an explanation as to why he stopped at Haydock.
“But he’s in flying form now — I’m really pleased with him and am looking forward to Aintree.”
But last year’s runner-up Cause Of Causes will not line up on April 14 after pulling up lame in the Cross Country at Cheltenham last week.