Aintree beckons for Takagi

Edward O’Grady reports Takagi to be on course for the Martell Cognac Grand National after his victory at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The nine-year-old bounced back to form in emphatic fashion in first-time blinkers, making all to beat Alexander Banquet by two and a half lengths in the Bobbyjo Chase.

“He’s a horse that jumps, stays and will like the ground,” the trainer said today. “He’s got a good handicap mark (10st 8lb) and is right up there without a shadow of a doubt.

“I’ll put the blinkers back on at Aintree as they were successful last time.”

Takagi had struggled recently prior to his weekend success, which saw him get his head in front for the first time since November 2002.

“I thought he would win the Hennessy last year but he pulled up,” O’Grady said. “However, Noel Meade’s horse (Harbour Pilot) was third in that and he is one of Ireland’s big hopes for the Gold Cup.

“Takagi jumped like a gazelle the other day, really spring-heeled. He is very, very capable of being right up there and is a very good horse on his day.

“We’ll maybe do a day’s hunting with him in the meantime to freshen him up. I have offered the ride to Davy Russell.”

Takagi is a 33-1 chance for the Aintree showpiece with Coral and William Hill.