Bowen star set for weekend spin

McKelvey is likely to have two prep races over hurdles ahead of his bid to go one place better in the John Smith’s Grand National.

Peter Bowen’s nine-year-old has not raced since sustaining an injury when finishing less than a length behind Silver Birch in last season’s Aintree marathon.

However, he is ready to return to action this weekend at the track which his trainer believes has the most suitable going.

He is in the Betfredcasino Handicap Hurdle at Kempton and Doncaster’s Sands Venue Live Entertainment Handicap Hurdle on Saturday.

McKelvey is also entered in the Heathcotes Outside Handicap Hurdle at Bangor on Sunday.

“He’ll go either on Saturday or Sunday. He’s got three entries and will go wherever the ground is best,” said the Pembrokeshire-based handler.

“He’ll probably have two hurdle races before Aintree. He’ll go this weekend somewhere, then have another spin in a fortnight. That hopefully will put him spot-on.

“He seems in fine form, we think he’s over his problems, but he’ll have a quiet run this weekend. We won’t be too hard on him.”

McKelvey is generally 20-1 for the Grand National on April 5.