Formlines from several races at the Cheltenham Festival could meet in the John Smith’s Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday.

BALLABRIGGS is set to make his first appearance of the season on Saturday as last year’s John Smith’s Grand National winner is readied for the defence of his Aintree crown.

Exciting grey Grands Crus is set to put his unbeaten record over fences to the test in the Betfair Don’t Settle For Less Novices’ Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

TIM Vaughan had other options for the EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen today so it is hopefully significant he has sided with Bottman.