Truckers Lodge is one of fifteen entries for the Unibet Grand National Trial at Haydock this weekend, the 3m 4f marathon one of the traditional stepping stones for the Grand National which takes place on April 4th 2020. Many of the current horses lined-up for the trial race are also entered into the showpiece event at the Grand national festival.
Paul Nicholls-trained Truckers Lodge won’t be aimed at the 2020 Randox Health Grand National, however he is current market favourite to win at Haydock Park on Saturday afternoon at best odds of 4/1.
There are eight runners amongst the entries which are also being aimed at the Grand National and they will all discover which weight they will be burdened with when they are revealed at St George’s Hall, Liverpool later today.
Those which might be using the Unibet Grand National Trial as part of their preparations for the big race itself on April 4th are Yala Enki, Ballyoptic, Elegant Escape, Vintage Clouds, One For Arthur, Ramses De Teillee, Steely Addition and Lord Du Mesnil, the latter winning his last two starts at Haydock Park by a combined total of 22 lengths.
The seven-year-old triumphed in the Betway Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase in December at this venue and followed this up just nine days later with a win in The Last Fling Handicap Chase over course and distance.
Trainer Richard Hobson said: “Lord du Mesnil worked well yesterday and, provided the ground is soft to heavy, he will take his chance in the Unibet Grand National Trial.
“He enjoys the course. I have been saying all along that he needs the right ground conditions and that therefore brings Haydock into the equation.
“He has options after this including the Cheltenham Festival, but I just want to take one run at a time.”
