Grand National hope Blaklion delights Phil Kirby in racecourse workout
Big-money buy Blaklion warmed up for the Randox Health Grand National and made his first public appearance since joining Phil Kirby with a post-race workout at Wetherby on Tuesday.
The 2017 National fourth, who won the Becher Chase at Aintree later that year, was bought out of Nigel Twiston-Davies's yard by Darren Yates for £300,000 plus VAT last month.
He was ridden by his National partner Sean Quinlan as he went two circuits of the track with a stablemate in a workout that delighted his new trainer.
"That was just what we wanted," Kirby said. "We came for a strong canter, we weren't trying to win any races. We tried not to do too much but enough to get a nice blow into him.
"I'm trying to keep him fresh. We half thought about giving him a race but this was the plan just to freshen him up, to have a nice gallop round and finish hard on the bridle.
"He enjoyed himself and Sean was happy; he said he feels well. We just need to keep him in one piece now."
Blaklion is a best-priced 50-1 for the National and Kirby said: "He has form at the track and the ground is going to dry up, which should help him as well, so fingers crossed."
RACEDAY LIVE
"For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app"
Published on 20 March 2019inNews
Last updated 09:40, 20 March 2019
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement