Ellison favouring Kelso over Doncaster for leading Grand National contender

Brian Ellison is favouring a trip to Kelso for the William Hill-backed Premier Chase rather than Doncaster's 888Sport Grimthorpe Chase on Saturday for leading Randox Health Grand National hope Definitly Red.

Ellison has been working back from the Aintree marathon on April 4 for the popular 11-year-old, owned by Phil and Julie Martin, since the tape went up on the season and he believes Kelso's contest is an ideal final stepping stone.

"At the moment I'm thinking Kelso," said the trainer on Wednesday. "We'll monitor the weather but I don't want to get a hard slog into him before the National.

"We know it's going to be heavy at Kelso but I don't think there will be many runners. He's in great form and I'm really happy with him. It's all geared to the National."

The going at Kelso was described as heavy, soft in places on Wednesday, with a largely dry forecast before possible rain in the early hours of Saturday.

Tiger Roll claims his second consecutive Grand National under Davy RussellCredit: Edward Whitaker

A top-priced 25-1 for the Grand National, Definitly Red was among 89 entries who remained in contention for the £1 million contest after the latest scratching stage on Tuesday.

Among the 16 taken out of the race was Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup-bound Delta Work, leaving his Gordon Elliott-trained stablemate and dual race winner Tiger Roll as the sole topweight with 11st 10lb. He remains a general 5-1 favourite.

The 16 horses scratched from the Grand National

Acting Lass, As De Mee, Cadmium, Champagne Classic, Chris's Dream, Delta Work, Heron Heights, Missed Approach, Mister Whitaker, Native River, Noble Endeavor, Princeton Royale, Sizing John, Steely Addition, Voix Du Reve, Yorkhill

Despite a disappointing effort behind Tiger Roll in the Boyne Hurdle on her latest start, last year's National runner-up Magic Of Light remains on target for Aintree, with trainer Jessica Harrington saying she will head straight to Liverpool.

"She wasn't as slick at her hurdles at Navan, but I think the ground was just too heavy for her," said Harrington.

"The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham was an option but the race looks very competitive – she'd have been taking on two talented mares in Benie Des Dieux and Honeysuckle if they run. With that in mind, she'll go straight to Aintree."

Magic Of Light is a best-priced 20-1 with bet365 for the National and, providing the ground is not too testing, will be joined in the race by stablemate Jett, an 80-1 shot.

Harrington added: "I've been delighted with him and think there's plenty more to come. He stays very well, is a good jumper and has plenty of tactical speed."

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