Blaklion ran huge race and is a big player in National

Blaklion ran a really good race to finish second to Vieux Lion Rouge in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last Saturday. The first two came well clear in the straight and it was a most pleasing performance.

He will meet the winner on better terms on the big day at Aintree and there is plenty of time to freshen him up before then. Expect him to be a big player in April.

Vicente ran okay in ninth. The sharp track didn’t really play to his strengths and he was in top gear from a long way out. A real spring horse, the National remains his target.