Connections of Monty’s Pass are expecting the 11-year-old to make a bold bid to repeat last year’s memorable victory in the Martell Cognac Grand National on Saturday.

AZERTYUIOP, second to Moscow Flyer in the William Hill Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown in December, faces a tough task giving weight all round in Saturday’s Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has the Martell Cognac Grand National in his sights once more after 2002 Aintree hero Bindaree battled his way to a thrilling triumph over Sir Rembrandt in the Coral Welsh National at rain-soaked Chepstow yesterday.