Mon Mome (right): lines up in Haydock's Blue Square Gold Cup on Saturday

  PICTURE:John Grossick  

Mome heads cast on day of Grand National trials

THE Grand National weights came out on Tuesday and the Grand National winner could be out on Saturday, when last year's 100-1 hero Mon Mome, Black Apalachi and Notre Pere are just three of the potential Aintree contenders set to put their credentials on the line.

Mon Mome, who powered 12 lengths clear of Comply Or Die in last season's Aintree extravaganza, lines up in Haydock's Blue Square Gold Cup, the 3m4f test in which he was beaten 42 lengths 12 months ago en route to his day of Merseyside magic.

The first six home in the Coral Welsh National, headed by Chepstow winner Dream Alliance and Haydock ante-post favourite Le Beau Bai, are among the chasers squaring up to Mon Mome, whose trainer, Venetia Williams, is hoping to see an encouraging effort from her stable star.

"Allroads lead to Aintree for Mon Mome and I'm hoping he runs another pleasing race on the way to the National," said Williams.

"He is now racing over three and a half miles, so his stamina requirements are coming back into play, but I hope the race doesn't end up a slog."

Madison Du Berlais, one of three National top weights, is one of five runners in Wincanton's CGA Chase, while another, last season's Welsh National hero Notre Pere, is expected to start favourite in a tremendous renewal of the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase.

Although below his best so far this season, Hennessy Gold Cup fourth Notre Pere is still the highest-rated horse in a Fairyhouse feature that has also attracted Aintree candidates Black Apalachi, Vic Venturi, Casey Jones and Irish Invader.

Notre Pere's trainer Jim Dreaper said: "Everything has gone fine with him since the Hennessy and basically we don't have too many options with him so he takes his chance. This is probably a drop in class, so if he puts in the same performance as he did earlier this month, he has his chance."

Ascot is lacking Grand National candidates, but it does have some classy animals in the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase.