Bailey playing the waiting game for Longshanks

Kim Bailey has made back-up plans for Longshanks should his stable flag-bearer again fail to make the line-up in the John Smith’s Grand National.

After missing out on the big race on a number of occasions through setbacks or for missing the cut, the gelding finally got his chance last year and ran brilliantly for a long way, eventually finishing seventh.

However, he has not raced since that day and on a weight of 10st 6lb for next month’s Aintree marathon, the 11-year-old needs about 20 to drop out.

“He’s still on course for the National but I don’t think he’ll get in,” said Bailey.

“He had feet problems which meant he came into training very late but he’s creeping along and had a racecourse gallop at Exeter the other day.

“He’s also been entered in the Topham Chase and the Scottish National so I suppose he would run in one or the other, but we’re very much in the lap of the Gods as to where he goes.”