Bailey hoping Samuri will handle occasion back at the scene of National flop

Kim Bailey says The Last Samuri became so upset amid the razzmatazz of Grand National day that he "blew his brain" and the trainer is looking forward to taking him back to Aintree on Saturday on a much quieter occasion.

The nine-year-old was a leading fancy at Aintree in April having finished second in the 2016 Grand National, but he finished a well- beaten 16th after becoming upset in the preliminaries.

He will have his first start over fences since the National when he lines up in the Randox Health Becher Chase, in which he was third last year.

Bailey said: "It’s all systems go for the Becher. We all stood there in amazement after he finished second at Kempton over hurdles on his comeback. We were staggered.

"He had a hard old time at Aintree this year as it was so hot and he took a long time to recover. I was keen to run over hurdles to make sure he was happy to be back on a racecourse and I was happy with that run.

"His record over the National fences is very good and Saturday’s race will suit him. The problem is he hates the razzmatazz of the big occasion and last year we got stuck in the tunnel going from the paddock to the racecourse before the National and it slightly blew his brain.

"There won’t be the crowd on Saturday, so it will be much easier for him. Blaklion is the obvious danger."

Charbel, who fell two out when challenging Altior for the Arkle last season, will also return to fences this weekend after tackling the Elite Hurdle on his seasonal return last month.

"Charbel goes for the Peterborough at Huntingdon on Sunday," said Bailey. "He’s entered in the Tingle Creek only in case there’s a storm in Ireland and they can’t get across.

"I thought he ran well over hurdles at Wincanton and the form has worked out very well. He was carrying top weight and the ground was soft, which he doesn’t like."

Charbel could not make up for his Cheltenham fall when a beaten favourite in the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree but will be moving up in trip this weekend.

"I wanted to get Aintree behind us and start all over again," added Bailey. "Sunday will be his first run over two and a half miles so it’s a learning curve. It will make a big difference if he stays that trip. He’s worked very well at home."

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