Newbury date for Doctor

Doctor David could run in the MC Seafoods Novices’ Chase at Newbury on Friday as he continues his build-up to his big target at Aintree.

The John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase on Grand National day (April 4) is the main objective for the grey, who defeated the smart Kalahari King at Haydock last month.

The williamhill.com Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday week is another possible option, but trainer Caroline Bailey has ruled out the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.

“He’s entered in the novice at Newbury on Friday and he’s ready to go again. We’re just looking at things at the moment,” said the Northampton-based handler.

“He’ll go on the soft ground as well so we are looking at the options, but he’s not going to Cheltenham.

“Our long-term aim is the two-mile novice at Aintree on the Saturday that Tidal Bay won last year, that’s his end-of-season target.

“We are just trying to work our way to that. He missed a bit with the weather and we want to give him a couple of runs before then.

“We’re going to Aintree in preference to Cheltenham as we don’t think he’s quite ready for there at the moment.”