Seeyouatmidnight will bid to become only the third Scottish-trained Grand National winner, as he takes a big step towards Aintree in his prep run at Newbury today.
Sandy Thomson’s ten-year-old hasn’t been seen since finishing second at Kelso a year ago, but is being targeted to the world’s most famous steeplechase next month.
Formerly beaten Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai and National favourite Blaklion, he is currently a 33/1 shot for his big target.
This afternoon he faces a much shorter trip than ideal at the Berkshire track, and carries top weight over his eight rivals as the Scottish trainer is hoping to be primed for next month.
“He ticks a lot of the right boxes for the Grand National and his form with the likes of Blaklion and Bristol De Mai looks solid,” Thomson said.
“We are delighted with him at the moment. He is going really well and, provided everything goes smoothly, he should head to Aintree with a good chance.
“He is a versatile horse. He won the Rendlesham Hurdle (at Haydock Park in 2014) and the Dipper on soft and has beaten Bristol De Mai on good. Ground is not a concern.”
Winning this afternoon may prove difficult for Seeyouatmidnight, especially with quality handicappers Sametegal and Pain Au Chocolat taking their chance.
The former has been running well all season for Paul Nicholls, finishing third in a Grade Three handicap at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day before failing to see out a longer trip at Sandown last time out.
Pain Au Chocolat was narrowly beaten at Wetherby last time out for Rebecca Menzies, Kayf Adventure, Virgillo and Cold March all have strong claims.
Elsewhere 16 runners line-up for the feature Grade Two mares novice prize in Berkshire.
If You Say Run, Petticoat Tails, Roksana and Sunshade all look to have big chances in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
TIP: I do think Seeyouatmidnight is worth a bet in the Grand National, but he may just find this trip a tad too sharp for him this afternoon. The preference goes to Sametegal, who has been running well all year. Elsewhere Caribert is a horse I really like and he should be able to win the bumper.
