Junior could prep forNational in Gold Cup

JUNIOR could use the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup as his prep race for the John Smith's Grand National with trainer David Pipe hoping the ante-post favourite can follow in the hoofprints of Miinnehoma, who won the National for his father in 1994.

After finishing eighth over hurdleson his seasonal return at Newbury last week, Junior, who is as short as 12-1 for the Aintree showpiece, could next be seen at Cheltenham with his other options the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase on the first day of the festival, and the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster.

Pipe, who won the Grand National in 2008 with Comply Or Die, said: "Obviously the Gold Cup has been a good prep race for Grand National horses and this year there's another week between the two festivals.

"He stays all day and you have to stay well with the way the Gold Cup is run. Miinnehoma ran well in the Gold Cup before he won his National, Junior loves Cheltenham and will be a better horse on better ground."

Speaking at his media day, Pipe said he has still not made a decision on whether Grands Crus will contest the RSA Chase, for which he is the general 7-4 favourite, or the Gold Cup, for which he can be backed at 10-1.

Consultations will take place between the trainer and owners Roger Stanley and Yvonne Reynolds as well. Input will also besought from David's father Martin, and Gerry Supple, who rides the seven-year-old every day.

Explaining what will influence the decision, Pipe said: "There are two questions we need to answer. Can he travel at the pace of a Gold Cup - and I would say yes - and can he jump at the pace of a Gold Cup, that is the only issue.

"He's been good in his novice chases and I was impressed with the way he won and jumped at Kempton."