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| John Smith's Grand National - 14th April 2012 |
National Run Possible for Tatenen
24/01/12
Tatenen could turn out to be a Grand National contender after repeating his victory of 12 months ago in the valuable BetVictor.com Handicap Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
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The Andy Stewart-owned eight-year-old gelding’s next outing will probably be in the racing+ Chase at Kempton on February 25 and, should he perform well in that three mile handicap, his connections may consider a bash at the big one.
Trainer Richard Rowe said “He did it really well. It was a tough performance and it was a bit nail-biting.
"He was winning off a higher mark than last year and this was more competitive.
"Touch wood, he's come out if it absolutely fine. He's a little bit tired, but you'd expect that. The horse has given everything.
"He'll probably go for the racing+ Chase at Kempton next month. He's also going to be entered in the Grand National and he might not run again after the racing+. We'll see and just take it one race at a time.
"If he did go to Aintree for the National, he wouldn't go to Cheltenham."
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Jefferson is delighted his 11-year-old has bounced back to form this season, winning the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day, before adding the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
The Grand National is his aim but Jefferson has an ideal weight in mind and if handicapper Phil Smith gives him too heavy a burden, According To Pete would be a doubtful runner.
"He's come out of the race OK and it's great to see him come back as he has this year," said Jefferson.
"We never run our horses 20 times a season and that is why at his age he is still able to run like he is.
"The handicapper can't put him up too much for Saturday, only a handful finished so you can't say it took much winning.
"I think he'd be the ideal type for Aintree because he's very nimble at his fences, he doesn't jump too big.
"I hope he'd get somewhere in the region of 10st 7lb but if he got anything over 11st, I'd say he'd be a doubtful runner.
"I'd love to run him in it as I think he'd run well, but obviously you need everything to go right."
Obviously, According to Pete's current Grand National odds on Betfair of 64-1 would appear very generous indeed if he was to get the green light.
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Trainer Dessie Hughes is giving the 12-year-old the option of either the Fox Hunters' Chase or the John Smith's Grand National over the legendary fences.
"We're just going to give him a little bit of a chance and we have the options then at Aintree with the Fox Hunters or run him back in the National," said the County Kildare-based handler.
"He'll run in the hunters chase in Leopardstown now at the end of the month. He made all and won easy enough and it gives us a second option."
