KeenforNational glory once again

WELSH Grand National winner Raz De Maree is likely to have Robbie Power in the saddle for the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree a week on Saturday as he bids for a famous double.

Trainer Gavin Cromwell utilised teenager James Bowen’s 5lb. claim at Chepstow as the mud-loving 13-year-old powered to a six-length win.

Raz De Maree was only three years younger than his jockey for their Welsh National victory, which created plenty of headlines.

However, Bowen will partner Shantou Flyer in the big race.

Cromwell has wasted no time in snapping up a replacement, however, with Power, who won the race on Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott in 2007, in line for the mount.

“It’s looking like Robbie Power will partner him,” said Cromwell.

“Robbie obviously knows what it takes and I’m just hoping this rain keeps up for a little longer.

“I think I’m the only man around who wants it to carry on raining but I’ll be doing a rain dance until National day!”

Raz De Maree is around 40-1 for the Grand National.

TODAY’S Catterick Flat meeting has become yet another casualty of the recent deluge of rainfall.

Clerk of the course Fiona Needham was left to face up to the inevitable following a course inspection.

Catterick sustained 25 millimetres of rainfall on Monday which left the course waterlogged.

Tomorrow’s Musselburgh Flat fixture has already been called off.

The venue was hit by 22mm of rain within 24 hours and further heavy showers have also been forecast.

Wetherby is due to stage a jumps fixture on Friday but that meeting is subject to an inspection later today.