Lavelle confident Newbury return can leave De Rasher Counter spot on for Aintree

Emma Lavelle is looking forward to testing De Rasher Counter in the Betfair Denman Chase (2.25) at Newbury on Saturday on the way to his primary target this season, the Randox Grand National in April.

The ten-year-old, who won the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy at the track, was sidelined due to a tendon injury and has not been seen since finishing second in a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot in October 2020.

However, this race has been pinpointed as an ideal target by in-form trainer Lavelle, who will bid for more Grade 2 success after landing the Cleeve Hurdle with star stayer Paisley Park last month.

De Rasher Counter is one of five runners in the race and the market is headed by two-time King George winner Clan Des Obeaux at around evens.

Grand National entries and betting

"He's really good," said Lavelle. "This season has been all about the Grand National and he's come along really well. To fit the conditions he has to have had a run in a chase. He had his leg issue 18 months ago but he's ready to go and this felt like a good place to start him.

"I didn't want to run him in a big handicap with lots of weight. He's got plenty of ability and I think he'll travel away with them without any issues. Whether he takes a blow when they quicken, we'll see, but he's definitely ready and needs to blow away the cobwebs."

Eclair Surf: a comfortable winner of the Classic ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

De Rasher Counter could be joined in the Grand National by Classic Chase winner Eclair Surf, depending on how his stablemate performs in the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle on February 26.

"The plan is to go for the Eider Chase and then we'll see where we are as to whether the National is realistic this year or if we wait for next year. He's still got plenty of options. Looking at the forecast it looks like the rain is coming so he should get his ground there."

One horse we will not see this month is Paisley Park, who will head straight to the festival and bid to regain his crown in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle after his remarkable comeback last time in the Cleeve Hurdle.

"He's had an easy time and has just been cantering," added Lavelle. "He seems very fresh and well. It's easy to get straight back into the normal routine and suddenly realise you're going to be ready before the main event so we've given him a bit of time off and we'll start to pick it up again from next week – all roads lead to Cheltenham."

Betfair Denman Chase (Newbury 2.25 Saturday)

Betfair: 10-11 Clan Des Obeaux, 5-2 Royale Pagaille, 4 Imperial Aura, 10 Eldorado Allen, 20 De Rasher Counter

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