DEFINITL 40 YEARS ON Y0U CAN TAKE IT AS RED AT AINTREE AGAIN

Definitly Red (left) looks to hold a big chance of glory in the Randox Health Grand National; while Vieux Lion Rouge (inset right) could also go close to winning EFINITLY Red looks set to provide the north with another victory in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse tomorrow.

It is 40 years since a ‘Red’ horse, trained in the north landed an historic third victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase. And while it would be apt if Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red could follow the likes of triple hero Red Rum, Red Alligator and Red Marauder and add another colourful chapter to Aintree history, there is more than just coincidence to think that he can.

The eight-year-old is a fine jumper, has stayed well over three miles-plus and is progressing at a rate of knots – and he may just have the touch of class needed these days to triumph at Aintree.

In short, he looks just the type of in-form young chaser who has been thriving at Aintree in recent years.

Eight-year-olds have won the Grand National four times since Red Rum landed his first success at that age back in 1973. Corbiere (1983), Party Politics (1992), Bindaree (2002) and Many Clouds (2015) are those young stars who tasted glory on Merseyside. Definitly Red looks to have a similar profile and attributes to those in that he arrives in good form and like Many Clouds may not look out of place in higher graded races than the Grand National.

He has won three times this season and looks to be improving with each run. His seven-length success in the three-mile Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby over Christmas was particularly impressive.

Then he was well fancied to score stepped up to Grade Two company in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January. Although he probably wouldn’t have beaten the winner Bristol De Mai when unseating jockey Danny Cook having been hampered the fall right in front of him by Vintage Clouds, he was staying-on best of the rest to be placed.

He bounced back in impressive fashion with a 14-length victory over Grand National rival The Last Samuri in the BetBright Grim Doncaster last mont perfect prep for Aintr

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On his return to Ai the Grand National f Rouge just prevailed from 2015 winner Hi the Betfred Becher Chase in December. That win showed his liking for the unique Aintree challenge and also his ability to battle at the end of a long-distance contest.

Similar qualities were in evidence