One For Arthur back in action for first time since Grand National triumph

2.05 Aintree
Betway Many Clouds Chase | (Grade 2) | 3m210y | Mildmay | 4yo+ | ITV4

Last year's Grand National winner One For Arthur returns to action after a 20-month absence but jockey Tom Scudamore faces a test to make it a winning one.

The main obstacle is Definitly Red, who produced a corker on his seasonal return to win the Charlie Hall Chase, a race in which Double Shuffle, who re-opposes at Aintree, fell at the first.

"He's got a great chance," said trainer Brian Ellison about Definitly Red. "He improves for a run and he looks great at home so hopefully he steps forward. He's got the 6lb penalty to deal with but he's in great form."

Double Shuffle: bids to get back on track after a first-fence fall in the Charlie Hall ChaseCredit: Mark Cranham

Trainer Tom George, who has witnessed stable stars Summerville Boy and Black Op get turned over in recent days, is less confident about Double Shuffle’s chances.

He said: "It was a very unfortunate start to his season and it's taken him a while to get over it so we're just hoping for a nice run to help him get the ball rolling again.

“It's about getting him back on track and putting what happened behind him – we want him to have a nice day out and see how he gets on."

Scudamore steps in for the ride on One For Arthur, with regular partner Derek Fox out after a back operation.

Lucinda Russell, who trains the Aintree hero, said: "He's wrong at the weights with two of them and it's going to be his first run back after a break.

“That said he's in great form and we know he's a class horse. He could do with an extra mile and long-term his aim is the National so it is a bit of a means to an end, but I think he'll be competitive and if it gets heavy you never know."

The four-runner field is completed by the 133-rated Chris Grant-trained Acdc, who has been cleverly placed by his trainer to pick up at least £3,180 should he complete and finish fourth.

Grant said: "Realistically he's probably got no chance but there's only four in it. We were going to run over two-and-a-half but when it was cutting up so bad we decided to swap. The track should suit. Realistically he's probably not good enough but if you're not in it you haven't got a chance."

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com