'He's in a better place and not quite as fresh' - Ahoy Senor primed for Aintree

Lucinda Russell is backing stable star Ahoy Senor to bounce back from his disappointing Wetherby comeback in Saturday's Boylesports Many Clouds Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

The Scottish trainer believes Ahoy Senor is in "a better place" now than he was at the start of the campaign, when he was beaten 40 lengths and finished last of five runners as the 11-10 favourite in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

Russell blamed freshness for that poor performance and insists that should not be an issue this weekend. Ahoy Senor also returns to the track where he has recorded both of his top-level victories, including at the end of last season in the Mildmay Novices' Chase.