National hopefuls may have Post prep

Willie Mullins is juggling his options for the Racing Post Chase on Saturday week as he prepares a strong-looking team for this year’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

As well as market leader Hedgehunter, Mullins is also considering Aintree for Macs Gildoran and Alexander Banquet.

Either or both of those horses could continue their build-up to the National by taking in Kempton’s £100,000 (€148,300) contest.

Both Macs Gildoran, who is due to carry 10st 2lb at Kempton and Alexander Banquet (11st 1lb) have alternative options, most notably in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse this weekend.

Mullins said today that he will make final plans later this week, as he keeps an eye on the likely fields in both contests.

“They have both got fairly handy weights at Kempton at the moment, but that could change if the weights go up, so I need to make a few calls and find out what is likely to run where,” the trainer said.

“Alexander Banquet ran a lot better last time in the Hennessy and seems to be coming back to form.

"My worry with him is that the track might be too tight for him at Kempton.

“Even though his winning form is on soft ground, he does handle good ground well. But he is an out-and-out stayer who might need more of a test.

“Macs Gildoran hasn’t been in such good form, but I thought he ran well at Gowran last time out and the extra trip will probably suit him.

“I have always thought of him as a spring horse, so hopefully he is hitting form at the right time.

“I suppose it will depend on whether the weights are likely to go up or not. If First Gold came out the weights would go up 5lb and then Macs Gildoran would be a more likely runner than Alexander Banquet.

“I have also got Jasmin d’Oudairies in but he is out of form at the moment and won’t go.”

Looking further forward, Mullins is hopeful that jumping problems will not be the downfall of either horse at Aintree.

“Macs Gildoran jumped well when he was second in the Topham Trophy last year and although Alexander Banquet unseated at Bechers last year, he looked at home over the fences.

“He has got a fair amount of weight, but he can carry it and if he keeps on finding his form I would be hopeful.”

The Racing Post Chase looks like being an interesting trial for the National this year, with several Aintree contenders entered, including Red Striker, Shooting Light and First Gold’s stablemates, Innox and Kelami.