Kirby confident of strong Blaklion challenge

Trainer Phil Kirby is looking forward to the Grand National at Aintree next month as he prepares to let Blaklion (33/1 – 2019 Grand National Outright) loose over the famous fences.

Blaklion, who recently made the switch from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard to Kirby’s stable, was not sent to Cheltenham last week for the coveted Festival as connections plotted a run at Aintree.

The 10-year-old was last seen coming home fifth of 13 runners at Haydock Park in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle last month and that turned out to be his final run for Twiston-Davies.

Attention is now being turned towards the most valuable jump race in Europe and Blaklion could be one to watch out for, with the gelding’s last victory coming at Aintree in 2017 in the Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase.

Kirby, who also revealed he would be racing Lady Buttons Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase, is feeling confident ahead of the prestigious meeting and says his charge is making good progress.

“It was never the plan to go to Cheltenham with Blaklion and hopefully we’ll get him to Aintree very fresh,” he was quoted as saying by the Racing Post. “Everything’s gone to plan so far, he’s done loads of steady work and is really well.”

Defending champion Tiger Roll produced a stunning performance to win the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham last week and the nine-year-old is the 5/1 favourite to become the first horse to win back-to-back Nationals since Red Rum in 1974.

Rathvinden and Anibale Fly, who was second behind Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park, are both priced at 10/1 with Betfred while Vintage Clouds and Elegant Escape are 16/1 chances.

Odds subject to change