Last year's Grand National third and fourth go head-to-head in Bobbyjo Chase

Saturday: 4.18 Fairyhouse
Tote Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3) | 3m1½f | 5yo+ | RTV

Just four go to post for this well-recognised Randox Grand National trial, but it is very much a case of quality over quantity.

Strictly on ratings, this looks a good opportunity for last year's runner-up Burrows Saint to register his first win over fences since his 2019 Irish Grand National triumph at this venue.

He is rated 1lb inferior to the admirable Any Second Now but receives 8lb from that rival, although that is not to say that his task is necessarily a straightforward one.

Burrows Saint (pink): finished fourth to Minella Times (green) in last year's Randox Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Saturday's assignment will surely be a stepping stone for the Willie Mullins-trained stayer towards an Aintree return, having been beaten 19 lengths in fourth behind third-placed Any Second Now when giving away 4lb in last year's Grand National.

Any Second Now is also on the road to Liverpool, but it is worth remembering he won on his final start prior to Aintree last year when blitzing his rivals in the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase over two miles, a performance that at the time was the best of his career on Racing Post Ratings.

The JP McManus-owned ten-year-old has been handled superbly by Ted Walsh to land a trio of Graded events and a Kim Muir Handicap Chase, and it would be no shock if he overcomes being wrong at the weights to oblige here.

Despite much of the focus being on the 2021 Grand National third and fourth, Escaria Ten is a highly interesting contender on his second start back after a break.

Escaria Ten: emerged with credit from his third to Galvin in last year's National Hunt Chase at CheltenhamCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Entitled to improve from his recent return in the Thyestes Chase when safely held in eighth, Gordon Elliott is fitting blinkers for the first time on last season's National Hunt Chase third to Galvin.

He has 5lb to find on ratings with the 156-rated Burrows Saint but is probably open to more improvement than that rival.

Coko Beach ran creditably enough in the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown earlier this month but needs to improve on the figures to cause an upset.

Townend: Burrows Saint my best chance on Saturday

Paul Townend believes this Grade 3 test could set up nicely for Burrows Saint and has described the classy nine-year-old as his best chance of a winner from two rides at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Since the first running of the Bobbyjo Chase in 2003, Willie Mullins has landed the prize on a record 11 occasions, including in each of the last six years.

Townend said: "We had a nice run at Tramore behind Al Boum Photo last time and conditions of this race suit him really well."

Speaking in his Ladbrokes blog, he added: "I think he will be my best ride on Saturday. I will be disappointed if he doesn't go very close."

What they say

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Any Second Now
Ted is very happy with him and hopefully this looks an ideal prep race for him. He ran a blinder in the Grand National last year and jumped well on the day. Hopefully he can get back to there again in good shape.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Coko Beach and Escaria Ten
Coko Beach has been running quite well in handicaps under fairly big weights. This small field might be something a little different for him. I could see him running well, albeit he's a little wrong at the weights with some of these. Escaria Ten probably ran a bit better than his finishing position would suggest in the Thyestes. He would have needed the run too and has come on for it. The best of his form from last season entitles him to be thereabouts.

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Kempton: is 'thorough professional' Knight Salute the most underrated horse in training?

2.05 Lingfield: 'He's shown the old spark' – Lord North takes on Alenquer in Winter Derby

2.25 Kempton: 'A flatter track will suit' – Paul Nicholls confident Pic D'Orhy can bounce back

3.00 Kempton: hot favourite Shallwehaveonemore needs to up his game says Gary Moore

3.15 Newcastle: trainer quotes and expert insight for the Eider Chase

3.37 Kempton: 'He's turned a corner' – Christian Williams chases big prize with three chances

Join Racing Post Members' Club for just £9.99 for your first month!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Head to our subscription page here, select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code CHELT22!