Silver Birch seeking National repeat

Gordon Elliott reports Silver Birch to be “100%” and on course for the John Smith’s Grand National following a prep run over hurdles at Navan yesterday.

The 12-year-old was ninth of 10 finishers in the Slane Handicap Hurdle over two miles and seven furlongs in what was his first run under rules since he won the Aintree marathon in 2007.

Sidelined since then with a leg problem he did, however, have two outings in point-to-points last month.

“He’s 100%, everything’s fine and he’s still on track for the National. He’s become a bit cute at home so we had to get a good blow into him,” said the County Meath trainer.

“He’ll just do a few good bits of work at home between now and the National - we won’t run him again. He’s got a bit clever at home so we had to run him yesterday to get a good blow into him.

“We’ll probably put cheekpieces on him at Aintree to help him concentrate.

“The ground wasn’t nice yesterday and they didn’t go a great gallop, but we’re happy enough with him and he’s fine this morning.”

Silver Birch, is a best-priced 50-1 for the National, having been given 10st 6lb for the April 4 showpiece, the same weight he carried when enjoying his finest hour two years ago.