Bailey a possible for Grand National

Blazing Bailey is a possible for the John Smith’s Grand National following his victory at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Trainer Alan King has the Aintree spectacular in mind for the nine-year-old who returned to form in tremendous fashion.

King admitted being surprised at the former classy staying hurdler’s convincing 11-length success over Richard’s Sundance in a competitive handicap chase over an extended three and a quarter miles.

“We’ll see what the handicapper does and go from there. I think he’s going to have an entry at Aintree but I don’t know where we go next,” said the Barbury Castle handler.

“I’m in no rush to run him back just yet, we’ll probably go again with him in six weeks. It was great to see him win but I can’t say it was expected. He’s had a lot of hard battles over the years.”

King’s across-the-card double yesterday was completed by Salden Licht.

The totesport Trophy at Newbury on February 12 is the objective after the seven-year-old defied top weight in a handicap hurdle at Exeter.

“He won very well. We’ll have to see what the handicapper does with him but he could go straight for the totesport Trophy,” he added.