Dan Skelton: 'Every National has a story - maybe it's a teenager this year!'

Seeking a solid yardstick for the Randox Grand National that relishes the big occasion? Look no further than the evergreen Blaklion, who is primed to tackle the Aintree showpiece for the fourth time next Saturday.

The 13-year-old has form figures of 4B6 in three starts in the 4m2½f event and his trainer Dan Skelton believes the veteran chaser will once again perform with credit.

Blaklion, owned by Darren and Annaley Yates, has struck twice at Haydock this campaign, including in the Last Fling Handicap Chase in December, with Skelton putting his below-par effort in the Grand National Trial at the track – when pulled up – down to extremely testing ground.

Randox Grand National entries and betting

Sergeant Murphy was the last 13-year-old to win the National in 1923 and Blaklion, who needs one horse to come out to make the cut, is a general 66-1 chance to end that near 100-year stat.

Skelton said: "He's a glorious old boy and we're very proud of him. He's won two races this season as a teenager which is phenomenal and the ground at Haydock last time was pretty much unraceable.

"He's had a really good season and his prep for the National this year has certainly been better than last time. I'm happy with him and he loves those fences and the day – he can cope with all of it which is a big thing.

"It's the Grand National and anything can happen. Every Grand National winner has a story – maybe it's a teenager this year!"

Protektorat: 2-2 at Aintree and set to run in the Betway BowlCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Skelton will be unleashing plenty of his big guns at next week's three-day meeting, with Cheltenham Gold Cup third Protektorat aiming to maintain his unbeaten record at Aintree in Thursday's Betway Bowl.

Protektorat landed the Manifesto Novices' Chase at the meeting last year and routed the Many Clouds Chase at the same venue in December.

Skelton said on Thursday: "His run in the Gold Cup was very good and he was fresh and well this morning. The Gold Cup will have left a mark, but it's just how much and if it's surmountable. I'm happy with him though and the plan is to run."

Shan Blue is set to revert to handicap chase company for the 3m1f contest that precedes the Grand National, having finished sixth on his second start of the campaign in the Ryanair Chase.

Other intended runners from the Alcester yard include Allmankind (Melling Chase), Third Time Lucki (Maghull Novices' Chase), Doctor Parnassus (Juvenile Hurdle), Elle Est Belle (Mersey Novices' Hurdle) and Kateira (mares' bumper).

Read more:

Fakir D'Oudairies 'in great nick' for defence of Melling Chase at Aintree

'We've worked hard to sweeten him up' - Minella Times primed for Aintree return

Confirmed runners and riders for the 2022 Scottish Grand National at Ayr

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