'If you’re first or second in certain races you should qualify for the National'

Trainer Sandy Thomson has branded the system for selecting the final field for the Randox Grand National "ridiculous" and says a system of qualifying races needs to be introduced.

Kelso's Premier Chase and the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on Saturday have the potential to throw up pointers for the race.

Thomson runs Dingo Dollar and Hill Sixteen in the Premier Chase (2.40), two horses who have had very different campaigns and only one of whom is likely to run at Aintree on April 9.

Mighty Thunder and Dingo Dollar (pink cap) are both on course for AintreeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Dingo Dollar marked himself out as a candidate for the National when finishing a narrow second in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr last April, since when he has run only twice, with the last of those appearances coming on November 27.

Asked about the long absence, Thomson said: "It's this ridiculous way you have to protect your mark for the Grand National. They've got to find a better scheme because there are just too many horses not running as that [the National] is the aim and they’re terrified the handicapper will do something. You can’t even run them over hurdles now."

With small field sizes a hot topic throughout the winter, the notion that horses are being kept away from the racecourse once they have achieved a rating likely to mean they will get into the final field of 40 is a far from ideal situation, with the possibility of a poor run as big a danger for those on the cusp of getting in as having extra weight assigned after a good performance.

Hill Sixteen proved his ability over the National fences when beaten a nose by Snow Leopardess in the Becher Chase in December.

Sandy Thomson believes the current system for selecting the Grand National field is 'ridiculous'

But while Dingo Dollar is guaranteed a run at number 38 on the list of entries, Thomson is resigned to the fact Hill Sixteen will miss out at number 72, and is aiming at the Scottish National a week earlier.

"As far as I'm concerned there should be certain races that, if you’re first or second in them, you qualify for the National," said Thomson.

"It's getting slightly better these days if we have good ground but there are still a lot of horses in the National who plainly won't stay."

The question of suitably qualified horses being denied a run in the National is almost as old as the 40-runner limit itself, introduced in 1984, with Welsh National hero Secret Reprieve the most recent example of a well-qualified (and well-backed) contender being ruled out when missing the cut by two last year.

Thomson said: "If you've been placed in an Eider Chase or a Midlands National, a Becher Chase or a Scottish or Welsh National, it's plainly ridiculous that you cannot get in the race. It would enhance the race if you got proven staying chasers running."

Snow Leopardess (right) just denies Hill Sixteen in the Becher Chase at AintreeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Last year's Scottish National winner Mighty Thunder is among the leading contenders and requires seven horses above him to defect before he joins Dingo Dollar in having a guaranteed place in the field

Hill Sixteen's Becher Chase conqueror Snow Leopardess would be unlucky not to move up into the top 40 from her current slot at number 50.

Recent Ascot winner Fortescue is a 25-1 chance but may need a bit of luck to get in from 59th on the list, while Secret Reprieve is once again up against it at number 76.

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