Trainer Charlie Longsdon insists he has several options in staying handicaps for stable star Ballydine after his solid performance at Haydock.
The nine-year-old was in action last weekend and he managed to finish third in a competitive field in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Wakanda eventually went on to win the contest but Longsdon is now in good spirits after the efforts of his charge.
Ballydine has not won since February 2018 but Longsdon believes he has a good chance to end his winless run in either the Grand National Trial at Haydock or Midlands National at Uttoxeter.
“Ballydine ran a very good race in defeat and would have gone really close if he hadn’t made that mistake at the third-last,” said Longsdon.
“What we’ll do now is look at races like the Midlands National at Uttoxeter and the Grand National Trial back at Haydock – all those types of races.
“He’s rated 140 now – he was 5lb out of the handicap on Saturday, but he looked like he could potentially have won off that mark so there’s plenty to look forward to. “He’s lightly raced, is still improving and firmer ground might help him.
“The Eider is in the mix, but I’m looking at that for my novice Just Your Type who was going to win at Exeter on Sunday when he fell.”
Meanwhile, Definitely Red, Elegant Escape, Tiger Roll and Native River are currently 21.00 joint-favourites in the ante-post market for this year’s Grand National at Aintree.
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