One For Arthur has made an unconvincing return to racing but trainer Lucinda Russell is quietly confident that he will make an appearance at the showpiece race at the Aintree meeting.
The Russell-trained horse became only the second winner to be based in Scotland after Rustic (winner in 1979) although he was absent throughout the whole of last season due to an injury and has unseated his jockey in each of his two appearances since returning to action. As such, connections will be eager to see an improved run from him before he is steered towards the Grand National on 6th April.
Nevertheless Russell believes that he has what it takes to appear in the 2019 Randox Health Grand National, the trainer saying: “One For Arthur is in good form. He has been fine since the Peter Marsh at Haydock and he will either run again at Haydock in the Grand National Trial (16 February) or go to Kelso. We are yet to make a decision. Obviously, the long-term plan is to return to Aintree in April.”
Most bookmakers currently offer an ante-post price of 25/1 for One For Arthur to repeat his Grand National success of 2017 by romping home to victory this year.
The other Scottish-trained Grand National entry is Lake View Lad which is based at the stable of Nick Alexander. This runner enjoyed success at the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby and the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle this season.
The weights for this year’s Grand National will be unveiled at the Cunard Building, Liverpool on 12th February.
