Russell hopeful of repeat victory

Form boost and drying ground puts trainer in optimistic mood ahead of National

LUCINDA Russell has her sights set on another monumental day as Corach Rambler defends his Grand National title.

The ten-year-old ran out an impressive winner 12 months ago and will attempt to join the likes of Tiger Roll and the legendary Red Rum on the select list of back-toback champions.

Buoyed by the performance of Ahoy Senor at the track on Thursday, the Scottish trainer is hopeful ahead of her Cheltenham Gold Cup third’s quest to join the Aintree immortals. Russell – like her jockey Derek Fox also victorious with One For Arthur in 2017 – said: “I love coming to Aintree, we’ve had so many great days here and the crowd are always so appreciative, I feel a great affinity with it, it’s magic.

“I wish I could skip forward to Sunday, but I’m really hopeful and obviously watching Ahoy Senor has boosted his form again as the winner (Gerri Colombe) was just in front in the Gold Cup. The ground must be drying out and that is in his favour.”

Vanillier’s fast-finishing effort was ultimately in vain 12 months ago, but last year’s runner-up has been prepared with one day in mind as he bids to become the first grey in 12 years to win.

“We’ve trained him all year with this race in mind and he seems in good nick at home, so hopefully he will be right there,” said trainer Gavin Cromwell. “He likes it at Aintree, so it would be good to see him run well.”

Martin Brassil won back in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde and this time trains Panda Boy. He said: “It will depend on how he copes, but he had two solid runs in good company.”