Horse racing: Smarty on strange course for Aintree

Trainer Mark Pitman is likely to take an unorthodox route in preparing Aintree Grand National hopeful Smarty for the big race.

‘‘He’s rated 133 over fences so if he runs in a little handicap he’s got to lump loads of weight around which wouldn’t be right on him,’’ Pitman said. ‘‘If I find a little novice hurdle for him, in which he gets a 5lb or a 7lb penalty then that is going to be a lot better for him.