Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Final leg of last season's hat-trick was delivered in basically smooth style here in the National, asserting in the final 1f from I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West (good to soft); 4lb higher today but it's far more concerning that his season has hardly got going, with reappearance delayed until last month when he was seriously ring-rusty behind Gerri Colombe; last year's and this year's build-ups could hardly be more contrasting and he's been deserted by Patrick Mullins.

Won two Grade 1s in Ireland in spring 2024 during novice chase campaign (2m4f/3m1f, heavy/yielding) and posted first win since in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) this January; he was receiving 6lb from close runner-up L'Homme Presse last time and others in this have achieved more, but he's only eight and could still have improvement to come.

Gained all three chase wins in small-field novice events last April-June (one over 2m7f) but fell in three of his nine races since, including the last two; placed over 2m1f as a hurdler at three Cheltenham Festivals and runner-up in a 2m2f Cesarewitch on Flat, but he was outbattled over 3m1f at Cheltenham in October; it's doubtful whether he's got what it takes for this.

His only three long-distance events resulted in an Irish National win in 2023, a storming success in this race in 2024 (soft) and a valiant second, from further off the pace, to Nick Rockett on return to Aintree in 2025 (good to soft); what a record that is, and 50-1 second in a 3m Grade 1 at Leopardstown on penultimate start gives every encouragement that all his ability remains; the return of cheekpieces (tried once in 2022) is interesting but, off 1lb higher than last year, he should be set for another prominent finish.

So nearly won his second King George at Kempton over Christmas but, although he's a class act, excelling over 3m on good ground at that speed track doesn't mean that this test will suit him; his moderate late headway in the extended 2m4f Grade 1 Ryanair at Cheltenham last month isn't that persuasive either.