Jumping Jack set for Limerick spin

Munster National winner Pearly Jack is likely to have a spin over hurdles this weekend before bidding for more high-profile glory in the totesport.com Becher Chase at Aintree on November 19.

Irish handler Davy Fitzgerald plans to run his charge at Limerick on Sunday in order to put him spot-on for the £100,000 (€150,000) Liverpool contest, in which he is set to be partnered by Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden.

Madden was on board when the pair grabbed gold in the Munster National last month and has already enjoyed major success over Aintree’s unique fences, having partnered Numbersixvalverde to success in the Grand National last April.

“Niall tells me he’ll ride him at Aintree,” confirmed the Co Limerick handler.

“That is the plan and hopefully he can take the ride.

“He was pleased with the horse last time and he’s a great man to have on board – it’s important to have him.

“Deep down we always thought he might just make into an Aintree horse, so we’ll see how we get on in the Becher.

“We’re hoping to go for the John Smith’s Grand National in April but it’s a little bit of an unknown.

“You go to Aintree with a horse and you have to see how he takes to it.

“We’re going there because we think his style of jumping will suit the place.

“Everyone who’s ridden him has said the same, so fingers crossed for a clear round.

“They say two and a half mile horses are tailor-made for the Grand National, and that’s the long-term aim, but the trip just may not suit him this time.

“He’s been running over three miles, but in an ideal world, going a good gallop, two and half miles or two miles, five furlongs is his distance.

“We’re a bit in the dark trip-wise but we’re going there in good form and we’ll see how we get on. He goes on any ground.”