National contenders to clash at Warwick

Leading John Smith’s Grand National candidates Clan Royal and Silver Birch are set to clash – weather permitting – over hurdles at Warwick tomorrow.

The pair are both declared for the Graham Hoskin Racegoers Club Handicap Hurdle, but the meeting has to first pass a 7.30am inspection.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained Clan Royal, who is the ante-post favourite for Aintree, has been rerouted from Wednesday’s abandoned Huntingdon card while Silver Birch will be having his first start for 394 days.

Paul Nicholls’ charge, who will be ridden by Christian Williams, was trimmed by William Hill into 16-1 from 20s for the April 8 showpiece having been sidelined since notching up a hat-trick in the 2004 Coral Welsh National.

“I am glad to get him back on the track but he will improve for the run,” Nicholls told Teletext.

“If the meeting is off, he is in at Hereford on Sunday but further ahead than that I don’t know where we would go.

“He will probably go for a chase after he has run over hurdles and will have the two outings before Aintree.”

John Smith’s Grand National, William Hill bet: 8-1 Clan Royal, 10-1 Hedgehunter, 16-1 Royal Auclair, Silver Birch, 20-1 Cornish Rebel, Eurotrek, 25-1 Innox, Jack High, Kelami, Lord Of Illusion, One Knight, 33-1 bar.