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WITH Cheltenham a month away, most of the trials have been done and dusted for the Cotswolds track and the focus has been turned to the Grand National at Aintree in April.

Cue the big betting race of this afternoon, the Grand National Handicap Chase over an extended three-and-a-half miles at Haydock, 3.15.

The likelihood is the ground will not be as testing as usual with soft definitely in the going description, but certainly not heavy. With only five outings under his saddle, the lightly raced Jubilee Express is likely to start favourite, but I am very happy to oppose him off his new mark of 135, 12lbs higher than when second to subsequent Welsh National hero, Val Dancer at Chepstow. That duo will race within the same weight match-up here and as such hold solid and obvious claims.