Hemmings looks to Aintree

Trevor Hemmings is dreaming of John Smith’s Grand National glory once more, this time with Cloudy Lane.

The genial owner, who was successful in 2005 with Hedgehunter, was delighted with the eight-year-old’s impressive win under top-weight at Ayr on Saturday.

And as he is in training with Donald McCain, the son of ’Mr Grand National’ Ginger, Hemmings believes Cloudy Lane could not be in better hands.

“Jason Maguire (jockey) said he just stalked the leaders and picked them off when he was ready,” said Hemmings.

“He’s in good hands, that yard has won four Grand National’s so where else could he be in better hands?

“He’ll have one more run before the National at Doncaster in the Grimthorpe (March 1). He needs a run about four or five weeks prior to the National to make sure he has enough rest, because he needs to peak in April.

“Believe it or not he hasn’t peaked yet – yesterday’s run was just an exercise towards being a better horse.

“He’s special to me for two reasons because he has already won at the Cheltenham Festival for me and I actually bred him too,” Hemmings told At The Races.

Cloudy Lane is a best-priced 14-1 with Bet365 for the Grand National on April 5.