Snowy Morning set to wait for Aintree

Snowy Morning, third in the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National, is unlikely to run again before this year’s Aintree spectacular on April 4.

Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old was beaten just over five lengths by Comply Or Die at Liverpool last spring.

After a largely disappointing winter, he showed a little more sparkle at Fairyhouse last month.

Snowy Morning was beaten into a distant second by current 12-1 favourite Black Apalachi on that occasion, with Mullins now keen to send him straight to Merseyside.

“We are now into March and I am not keen on giving him a hard race over fences,” said the champion trainer.

“He could have a run over hurdles but is more likely to go straight there.

“The spring air and the sunshine have helped bring him along, but he is still a long way off his best form.

“He was beaten a long way by Black Apalachi but people tell me Black Apalachi wants that heavy ground.

“Mine is starting to show a distinct preference for better ground as he gets older.”