Aces team plot Timber blow

Aces Four is set to have a spin over hurdles as trainer Ferdy Murphy aims for an Aintree comeback.

The nine-year-old has only had one start this term, when pulled up behind Ollie Magern in Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase last November.

He subsequently suffered an 11th-hour setback when due to run in the Peterborough Chase and has been sidelined ever since.

Murphy reports Aces Four to be making good progress and is eyeing the Betfair Bowl at Aintree on April 3.

“He worked really well this morning,” said Murphy.

“I think he will run over hurdles in two or three weeks’ time as we’re getting him ready for Aintree.

“We’re pushing fairly hard to get him ready for the Betfair Bowl and although I don’t really want to do that, he is so well in himself that he really wants a run.

“There’s a race at Ayr or one at Newbury. I think Newbury could come too quick but the one at Ayr is a bit later and could be right.”