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| John Smith's Grand National - 14th April 2012 |
Grand National Return On the Cards for Mon Mome
06/01/12
Yes, it's that time of year again, the John Smith's Grand National looms in the middle distance and punters are turning their attention to the big race. Aswell as trying to spot an up-and-coming new candidate, we all like to see old favourites coming back for another go at Aintree's blue riband event.
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The veteran was a 100-1 winner of the world's most famous steeplechase but spent over a year and a half on the sidelines with injury after falling in the race 12 months later.
He was not disgraced on his comeback run over hurdles at Haydock last month and, switched back to fences at Prestbury Park, Mon Mome ran a blinder under top weight to finish second to Mostly Bob.
Williams said: "He's come out of the race in good order and we were obviously very pleased with his run.
"Hopefully he'll be going back to Aintree, but I don't know what we'll do between now and then.
"We'll just see how he is and make a plan from there."
Mon Mome is available at 50-1 with Stan James to repeat his National heroics on April 14.
Henrietta Knight enjoyed a welcome change of luck when Calgary Bay was galvanised to victory by Dominic Elsworth in the Bet With Your Mobile At Victor Chandler Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
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With favourite Havingotascoobydo having exited early in the piece, and novices Duke Of Lucca and Micheal Flips doing themselves no favours with some poor jumping, it was left to seasoned campaigner Calgary Bay to boost his claims for the
John Smith's Grand National.
The 8-1 winner held Hector's Choice and Matuhi, with Knight observing: "He has the stamina for the National, that is for sure, and Dominic has given him a very good ride today.
"He's deserved this win because he's been there or thereabouts in good races for a long time. He likes the good ground you often get at Aintree, and jumps well."
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The 11-year-old was a big outsider for the West Yorkshire feature and 8lb out of the handicap, but produced a fine performance to grab the Grade Three prize, and a trip to Doncaster on January 28 is next on the veteran's agenda, after which he could be prepared for the world's most famous steeplechase at Aintree.
"He's grand and the handicapper has had his say, putting him up 15lb," said Jefferson.
"He said I put him up 8lb myself and he's put him up another 7lb! He seems in good form anyway and I'd imagine he'll go to Doncaster now for the Sky Bet Chase.
"We'll see how he gets on there, but he'll definitely have an entry for the Grand National. He'd get in that with a lovely weight."
