Haydock date for Ebony

Peter Marsh Chase winner Ebony Light will continue his John Smith’s Grand National preparations with another run at Haydock next month.

Trainer Ginger McCain has pinpointed the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup on February 18 as a likely target for Saturday’s nine-length winner before a trip to Aintree.

“The plan is go back for the Red Square at Haydock and then on to Liverpool,” he told At The Races.

“We were absolutely delighted with him – I think that goes without saying. I knew he could win a decent race, he’s done it and it’s grand.

“There’s no question about that (the National) whatsoever, he goes.

“He’s come out of his race well. He didn’t have a hard race, he gets four miles, he went on the ground and enjoyed himself.”

McCain will be double-handed in the Aintree spectacular as he also has 2004 winner Amberleigh House to rely on.

The 14-year-old has not run since finishing seventh in the Becher Chase last November, but McCain is confident of a good show despite the gelding’s advancing years.

“I’m in a very fortunate position as I have two horses at the moment, fingers crossed, if they stay sound,” he added.

“I’ve got one for when there’s some cut in the ground and one who goes when the ground is good.

“Amberleigh House, to be fair, carried fourth or fifth top weight last year on ground that didn’t suit him whatsoever and he finished 10th, running on steadily and he’s put 30 behind him.

“At the same time he went for the Becher Chase, with a fair bit of weight, and he was bang there jumping the last before getting a little bit tired up the run-in.

“I would expect him to go back there and run a big race if the ground is suitable – to finish in the first half-dozen.”

Ebony Light is as low as 20-1 with Coral for the Grand National, while Amberleigh House is 50-1 with the same firm to add another big-race win to his CV.