Definitly Red primed for national preparations

Brian Ellison is looking forward to giving Definitly Red his prep race for the Randox Health Grand National in the William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Premier Chase at Kelso.

Ellison has also declared his classy stayer for the 888Sport Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday, but Kelso is the 11-year-old’s first preference.

Definitly Red was beaten over the course and distance a year ago, at very short odds – but whereas that twohorse race did not fit easily into his programme, this Listed assignment back at the Borders track has always been mapped out.

Ellison said: “It’s a good pot at Kelso. I wouldn’t say the track really suits him. It’s sharp, but it doesn’t matter – it’s a prep race for the National.”

Sandy Thomson is delighted to be bringing See you at midnight out of retirement.

The 12-year-old has not raced since finishing 11th in the 2018 Grand National, and a suspensory problem appeared to have brought his career to a close.

However, all is well now, and See you at midnight is among Definitly Red’s four rivals.

Berwickshire trainer Thomson told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s back in action. We planed to go hunter chasing with him, (but) the weather scuppered that plan because they’ve changed the rules.

“The hunter chase and point-to-points have been off, so we’re taking the plunge at Kelso.

“The fire burns very bright. He’s never been a great workhorse at home, so you never know where you are with him. He does his talking on the course.

“It’s his local track, and he does have a great following and people love him.”

Thomson also runs Dimple – while Tom Gretton’s Kauto Riko and Paul Nicholls’ Saint Xavier, who is another with a second preference in the Grimthorpe, make up the quintet.

Fife trainer Nick Alexander believes Ebony Jewel can prove the handicapper wrong in the William Hill Premier Novices’ Hurdle.

Ebony Jewel has the lowest rating of the seven runners, but Alexander would not be surprised to see some improvement on the heavy ground and with an extra distance.

“The handicapper says he’ll be last! I’m hoping he won’t be,” he said.