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Clock is ticking: Tiger Roll among those not yet qualified for Grand National

Tiger Roll: the dual Grand National winner is reported to be in flying form by Gordon Elliott
Tiger Roll: could bid to land his third Grand National in AprilCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

With the announcement of the Grand National weights, BHA handicapper Martin Greenwood highlighted that 12 of the 105 entries are yet to qualify, including dual winner Tiger Roll. Two criteria must be fulfilled for a horse to run in the Randox Health Grand National: they must have run over fences at least once in the current season before March 16 and finished fourth or better in a chase over 2m7½f or further in their career

Tiger Roll

Winner of the world's most famous race for the past two years, Tiger Roll needs no introduction. He is the clear favourite at 5-1 to secure a Grand National hat-trick but has not yet qualified to run and time is running out.

He is due to make his seasonal return in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, but running there will not secure his berth at Aintree. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, his aim at the Cheltenham Festival and a race he won by 22 lengths last season, will be his last chance to qualify if he doesn't take in any other chases before March 16, so there is no room for accidents or setbacks.

Cadmium

Cadmium is no stranger to Aintree, having landed the Topham Chase over the National fences last season, but the eight-year-old has yet to make his presence felt over 2m7½f or further.

He has only run once over the required trip, finishing seventh of eight runners in the Irish Gold Cup won by Delta Work, but could excel over the longer distance if Willie Mullins opts to have another go.

Cadmium: won the Topham Chase over the Grand National course last season
Cadmium: won the Topham Chase over the Grand National course last seasonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Missed Approach

Missed Approach has been off the track since competing in the Becher Chase in December 2018 and the Kim Muir winner must rectify that if he is to qualify for the Grand National.

Fortunately, trainer Warren Greatrex appears to be on top of things and has entered the ten-year-old in a veterans' chase at Exeter on Sunday, which would make him eligible to run.

Missed Approach will have the Grand National at the top of his agenda
Missed Approach: has been off the track since December 2018Credit: Edward Whitaker

12 horses not yet qualified (weight, runner, reason not qualified)

11st 10lb Tiger Roll (chase)

11st 2lb Cadmium (trip)

10st 13lb Peregrine Run (trip)

10st 12lb Voix Du Reve (trip)

10st 6lb Mister Whitaker (trip)

10st 5lb Death Duty (trip/chase)

10st 4lb Saint Xavier (chase)

10st 4lb Warriors Tale (chase)

10st 3lb Traffic Fluide (chase)

10st 1lb Dallas Des Pictons (trip)

9st 9lb Missed Approach (chase)

8st 7lb Prince Of Scars (trip)


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Andrew WilsherRacing Post Sport

Published on 12 February 2020inNews

Last updated 17:37, 12 February 2020

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