National may be on cards

ONE For Arthur, trained by Lucinda Russell at Milnathort, looks a live Grand National contender after winning the Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick.

Partnered by stable jockey Derek Fox, One for Arthur steadily moved through the field to take up pole position and win handsomely.

Derek said: “He was slow getting away but he jumped well and really jumped his way into contention.

“He did this easy and the Grand National is ready made for him.”

Lucinda said: “He’s some horse and Derek deserves a lot of credit, too.

“If he goes up in the handicap he could run in the Grand National.

“If not, he’s definitely a National horse next year. He’s got to be an Aintree horse.

“Days like Saturday are the reason we train racehorses.

“One For Arthur showed his brilliance over a long distance and, with Derek guiding him, he was produced three out to win decisively after a good leap at the last.

“He probably needs to go up eight pounds or so to get into the 2017 Aintree Grand National and, if he does, then that will be his next planned run.

“In ‘The Two Golf Widows’, Arthur has fabulous owners who have shown patience and sense to allow him to fill his frame and potential.

“They had a wonderful day at Warwick and maybe there will be many more.”

Ben Pauling’s Willoughby Court galloped his rivals into submission in the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

Jason Maguire, racing manager to owners Paul and Clare Rooney, said: “Where he goes I don’t know. Obviously there’s the Cheltenham Festival.”

Meanwhile, the Harry Fry-trained American made all the running in the Betfred Mobile Hampton Novices’ Chase and could be an RSA Chase contender.