Pipe hoping for another round of success with Shotavodka

2.05 Newbury
Betway Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase | 3m2f | 10yo+ | ITV/RUK

Shotavodka was not long into the veteran stage of his career when posting a wide-margin success in this golden oldies' handicap last year and now tries to do at 11 what he so comprehensively did at ten.

He does so having not won a race since, but that means he is down to a BHA rating of 128, just a pound higher than the mark he won off when bagging this prize for David Pipe, who had also won it in 2015 with Soll.

Aintree beckons

Former RSA Chase winner O'Faolains Boy is guaranteed a run in the Randox Health Grand National but fellow runners in this race, Just A Par and Seventh Sky, are not.

Just A Par is one of four horses vying for 44th spot in the National weights

Although there is no penalty structure for the National, big runs here would be helpful to their prospects of making the cut as if horses on the same weight are in contention for the 40th and final place, BHA head of handicapping Phil Smith selects the one with the highest official rating at that point.

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Rocky Creek and Just A Par
They have been in and out. Rocky is well capable as he showed when winning at Sandown. Just A Par always comes good in the spring and will run in the National but he needs a run beforehand. He wouldn't want the ground to be too soft.

Tom George, trainer of No Duffer
Last time out at Kempton it was a bit sharp for him but this race and the ground should suit him.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Harry Topper
I can't believe it won't be very soft, so he should get his ground. He ran a blinder at Exeter last week when it was nowhere near soft ground and he was flat out from the word go. Tom Bellamy hasn't ridden him in a race before but he's schooled him at home.

Charlie Mann, trainer of Seventh Sky
He was doing well when he fell at Wetherby but the ground was too quick for him at Doncaster. He's now got the ground on his side and he's in with a chance.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Loose Chips
Everyone knows Loose Chips has got a bit of character. He's a fun horse and will go at a good gallop. The ground won't bother him. He'll give the others a run for their money.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Katenko
I hope it doesn't stop raining from now until race time. We are persevering with him as he has given us all the indications at home there is still more to come.

David Pipe, trainer of Shotavodka
He won the race last year and is in decent form. It looks competitive but he likes the track and we'll give it our best shot.