Fahey plotting Grand National path for The Big Dog

THE Big Dog has Aintree in his sights after a fine w e i g h t - c a r r y i n g per formance in the Welsh Grand National. Peter Fahey’s nine- year- old shouldered top- weight of 12st around Chepstow, under which he finished a gallant third when ridden by Aidan Coleman.

Fahey reports the bay, who has already won the Troytown

Chase and the Munster National this term, to be well following his exertions.

“He ran a great race under the weight he carried, we were thrilled with him,” he said. “He’s come out of the race really well and we’re aiming him at the English National now.”

Fahey is yet to plot a specific route to Aintree’s April date, saying: “We’ll know nearer the time whether he’ll run before or not, we’ll see how he is over the next month or six weeks but our aim is now the National,” he said. “I think he has the right credentials for it, we’re looking forward to it and the owners really are as well.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Longsdon believes he will have to give Rare Edition more hurdling experience if he is to fulfil his massive potential, following an impressive success at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Under Sam Twiston- Davies, the Califet gelding won a twomile novice event by seven lengths, completing a hat- trick under a penalty. Now unbeaten in four races under rules, Longsdon is pondering a step into Grade Two company for the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock on January 21 for his charge.

“He’s taken the race really well,” said Longsdon. “We might look at Haydock in three weeks’ time, but only if the ground is not too soft.”

“We might work a lot on his jumping over the next few weeks. His jumping is very neat and tidy, but it is almost too careful at the moment. I want to do quite a lot of work in that area over the next few weeks.

“That is one area where he can improve and when he steps up in grade, he can’t be too careful – he has got to be a bit slicker.”