Pipe targets family double
The trainer’s father Martin lifted the two mile six furlong race with Tango Royal last year and Pipe junior will have two chances to emulate that success.
Inch Pride represents owner David Johnson while ex-French runner Tevere is something of an unknown quantity after winning on his sole British start at Southwell.
“We don’t know that much about him either,” said Pipe. “He won nicely enough at Southwell on his first start for us but he has gone up 9lb for that.
“I don’t know if that was a very strong race or not but he did it pretty well, it will be much tougher tomorrow though.
“Most of his form in France was on very soft ground but it was good to firm at Southwell and he seems to go on anything.
“He’s going there with a decent each-way chance but we are under no illusions as to how tough a race it will be.
“Inch Pride also goes there with a chance after coming back to form last time at Stratford.
“She was a useful hurdler but lost her way slightly. She’s got very little weight though so she would also have an each-way chance.”
Heading the weights on 11st 12lb is the 2003 winner Ballycassidy, who is one of three runners in the race for trainer Peter Bowen along with Yes Sir and Celtic Boy.
After losing his way a little last season, Ballycassidy bounced back to form when running well for a long way in the Grand National before winning at Perth.
And one of his owners, Roddy Owen, believes the 10-year-old will take all the beating if he can make use of his spectacular jumping in front.
“He’s fit and he’s very well, it’s just that the trip could be on the short side for him these days,” said Owen. “He won it three years ago though and he’s certainly back to his best now.
“He was wrong for over a year but it is as if the Grand National brought him back to life – I think he’s better than ever at the moment.
“His biggest danger will be his stable companion Yes Sir. He’s not carrying much weight but he will have never been in a race like this before with all the hustle and bustle.
“I would think we’ll try to take them on from the start and make use of his outstanding jumping – he is the best jumper in the country in my opinion.
“He was very unlucky in the Summer National when one jumped across him and Jason (Maguire) fell off and hopefully we’ll have a bit more luck tomorrow.
“Jason was confident he would have won that day as he was travelling so well.
“We’ll take them on tomorrow and hopefully make his jumping count.”
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles Sweet Diversion who was last seen when finishing fourth in the Summer National at Uttoxeter over four miles.
Nicholls is convinced the shorter trip will suit today.
“The step back in trip will definitely be in his favour – I just hope it’s not too far back in trip for him,” said Nicholls.
