Quinz misses National

The Philip Hobbs-trained Quinz has been ruled out of the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday following an unsatisfactory scope.

The nine-year-old made a fine comeback after a lengthy absence when fourth in the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton in February and had been saved for a second crack at the National since, having been pulled up when well fancied for the great race two years ago.

However, Hobbs confirmed the news on his twitter feed, saying: “Unfortunately Quinz cannot run in the National due to a moderate scope.”

Hobbs still has Balthazar King in the mix.

Quinz’s defection means Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Major Malarkey is now guaranteed a run in the four-and-a-half-mile contest.

Hobbs' stable jockey Richard Johnson had already chosen to ride Balthazar King, but is still disappointed for connections that Quinz is unable to run.

“I had already chosen to ride Balthazar so it will have no bearing on my decision but it’s a shame,” said Johnson.

“I hope another race can be found for Quinz before the end of the season.

“The ground is a big factor to Balthazar King and it looks like it has come right for him.

“He’s jumped around the Cross Country course at Cheltenham well and I’d hope he’d take to the fences, but you can never be confident.”

Twiston-Davies, who also has top-weight Imperial Commander in the big race, was understandably delighted to hear Major Malarkey will now make the cut.

“It’s great he’s got in the race. He’s a stayer, he jumps well and he’ll run really well. Tom Scudamore rides,” said the Naunton handler.

Pentiffic, 46th on the list prior to Quinz being scratched, still needs a few more to drop out to get a run and his trainer Venetia Williams admits it looks unlikely at this stage.

“I can’t see him getting in the race. We’ll just have to wait and see how many come out,” said the Herefordshire handler.

“He’s in the veterans’ race at Ascot on Sunday, but the ground is drying up so much there. We’ll see.”