Junior’s National prep to start with run over hurdles

John Smith’s Grand National favourite Junior is likely to have his first run of the season at Newbury on Friday as he builds up to the greatest race of them all.

David Pipe’s charge has been allotted 11st 2lb as he attempts to add the April 14 spectacular to wins at Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival.

Pipe has purposefully not run him this season to protect his handicap mark, but holds several entries later this week – with a run over three miles over hurdles at Newbury being favoured at present.