Lee hands Le Beau Bai Haydock target

Le Beau Bai may try to improve on his third place in the big three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at Haydock on February 19.

Trainer Richard Lee has the totesport.com Grand National Trial, formerly known as the Blue Square Gold Cup, in mind for his stayer as long as conditions and the weights are suitable.

“It’s the same race as the Blue Square and he was third in it last year,” Lee told At The Races.

“He’s got 9st 9lb in the weights this year but it all hinges around Neptune Collonges and whether he runs, otherwise the handicap will be a little bit cramped.

“We’ll have to see. It’s a fortnight away yet and he’s very weather dependent. He must have heavy or very soft ground.

“He’s also entered in the Grand National. One of his owners is Lord Daresbury who is chairman of Aintree and to win the Grand National for him would be a dream.

“I know we are unlikely to get it. Having said that, if we don’t enter we can’t win. Red Marauder won it in extreme conditions.

“He’s a little chap but he absolutely loves heavy ground and he’s got the heart as big as a lion. He’s a lovely little horse to have.”