Pineau De Re ready to break curse in the Betfred Becher Chase at Aintree
Winner of the Crabbie’s Grand National in 2014, Dr Richard Newland’s star has shown there is still plenty of ability in the locker when bouncing back to form at Sandown last time out to finish second over three miles.
However, the fact remains the last National winner to win another race of any description was Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Bindaree in the Welsh National in 2003.
“He seems in fantastically good form. That run (Sandown) was his best since April 2014 when he won the National,” said Newland.
“Last year he was punished (by the handicapper) for success the year before and it was too much for him.
“I think he’s now fairly handicapped on the balance of his form. This is a huge race, the Becher, and it would be great for him to win. If he can’t win it and he runs a good race then we’ll definitely think about the National again.”
Saint Are bids to continue his good record over the National fences after finishing third in this race 12 months ago before going on to take second place behind Many Clouds in April.
The big race is again the ultimate objective but trainer Tom George has his star stayer in good order for a return to Merseyside following his seasonal appearance.
That came in a handicap chase over Cheltenham’s cross-country course last month, when he was sixth to Josies Orders.
“We’ve been delighted with him,” said the Slad handler.
“He had a nice summer off after the National and he ran in the cross-country race at Cheltenham which we hope has put him right for this.
“He did enjoy the cross-country race but it was a bit tight for him round there, but he ran respectively and hopefully he can carry on where he left off.”
