Regal Encore gets top weight as 36 entered for Saturday showpiece

The Cheltenham Festival can seem all-consuming at this time of year but as a stark reminder of its fleeting nature Regal Encore has been allotted top weight for the Betfred Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

The 4m1½f staying chase, which was won in 2010 by subsequent Gold Cup winner Synchronised, is the feature race of the day and the £125,000 prize fund has attracted 36 entries this year.

If Regal Encore does not run, the weights will go up at least 6lb, with Houblon Des Obeaux next on 11st 6lb. Venetia Williams' ten-year-old is rated 3lb superior to Doctor Harper, who is third on the list.

On the chances of Regal Encore participating, trainer Anthony Honeyball said: "He could run if it stays dry through the week but I have to speak to [owner JP McManus's racing manager] Frank Berry. The only thing to worry about is the weight as he's not a big scopey horse to carry 11st 12lb.

"But it's a more valuable race than any of the handicaps at the festival so worth waiting for. If he doesn't run he would wait for either the Aintree Grand National or the Irish National, or the Punchestown festival where he went close to winning last year."

The Michael Scudamore-trained Mysteree has been made the general 10-1 favourite.

Midlands Grand National entries