Exotic team look to Aintree

Exotic Dancer is likely to build on his totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup second in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree’s feature meeting next month.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained seven-year-old is unlikely to take up his engagement in the John Smith’s Grand National, however, after his meritorious performance behind Kauto Star.

Owned by Sir Robert Ogden, Exotic Dancer has scored three times at Cheltenham this season and twice chased home Kauto Star – including when second in the King George VI Chase.

O’Neill said: “He seems to be grand this morning so I am happy.

“He’s had a great season and he might go to Liverpool now for the Betfair Bowl, but I would say it is unlikely he will go for the Grand National.”

Aintree is also under consideration for O’Neill’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle casualty Black Jack Ketchum, while Brit Insurance winner Wichita Lineman is pencilled in for the three-mile novice event there next month.