Warren Greatrex is hoping Missed Approach can follow in the footsteps of One For Arthur, who took Warwick’s Classic Chase (3.35pm) before winning the Grand National four months later.
Missed Approach was a runner-up in the four-mile National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, before finishing a creditable eighth in the Scottish National.
The eight-year-old finished sixth in Newbury’s competitive Ladbroke Trophy and has since been dropped down the weights.
"He seems in good form and this seems a good race to go for,” said the Lambourn trainer.
“Unfortunately he has got top weight which is not ideal, but he is the best horse in the race. It is a very compressed race and there's a stone between top and bottom which is quite unusual.”
"The trip won't hurt him and he won't mind the ground. The track, with so many fences, should help him as he is a good jumper.
"I thought he ran a blinder in the Ladbrokes Trophy, and I think this is the right race to go for as we would like to get him up a couple of pounds to make sure he gets into the Grand National."
Kerry Lee is triple-handed as she seeks glory in the Classic Chase, and the consistent Krackatoa King hopes to go one better after a narrow defeat at Wincanton on Boxing Day.
"He's so consistent and he's not finished out of the first four since I've had him,” said Lee.
"He ran a great race at Wincanton, he was only beaten a nostril, and he's very much a young 10-year-old who is just coming to his peak."
The yard also run Goodtoknow, who was midfield in last year’s Grand National, and outsider Russe Blanc.
"Goodtoknow ran a fantastic race when 13th in the Grand National and if we had ridden him differently, he could have been closer,” the Herefordshire-based trainer added.
“We are looking to go back to Aintree and hopefully this will be his main prep race.
“Russe Blanc hasn't won since this race (in 2016), but he's back down to 125 and I was very pleased with his seasonal reappearance at Carlisle.”
Sir Mangan is an improving prospect for Dan Skelton and hopes to build on his impressive Bangor victory in November.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is double-handed with Cogry and Ballycross taking their chance, whilst former Welsh National winner Emperor’s Choice runs for Venetia Williams.
Southern National winner Cresswell Breeze joins the likes of Indian Castle, Russe Blanc, Topper Thornton, Milansbar, Crosspark and On The Road.
TIP: Missed Approach is a very good prospect and he could certainly be going to Aintree for the big one in April. Today I think his heavy weight could hinder his chances, and Krackatoa King is my selection. He is weighted nicely, will relish the conditions and is a nice improving type.
