Plan is Grand

PHILIP HOBBS believes Rock The Kasbah is a worthy candidate for this season’s Randox Health Grand National.

He spoke after the gelding (above) put in a faultless display of jumping when taking the BetVictor Handicap Chase.

“The main thing, which we have talked about for some time, is that we have the Grand National in mind,” said Hobbs after Richard Johnson returned victorious on the gelding. “What we do before then I really don’t know – maybe the Becher Chase, but he wouldn’t want to go there if the ground was very, very soft.”

The gelding, who broke the course record in the race, is a 33-1 shot for the Aintree marathon in April with Betfair, Paddy Power and Unibet. Coneygree, the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, also looks an ideal candidate for the National after running a blinder in his first race for a year.

“I really think it was as emotional as winning the Gold Cup,” said Sara Bradstock, assistant trainer to her husband Mark. “We were down and out with him. I’m nearly in tears. To have him back is wonderful and what a race he ran.”

Paul Nicholls again showed this team are in rude health. Following his five winners at Wincanton last Saturday, he was on the mark with Quel Destin and Ibis Du Rheu, both ridden by Harry Cobden. There were also doubles for Ian Williams and Tom O’Brien who scored with First Assignment and Speedo Boy.

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