Cappa Bleu delighted connections on his seasonal reappearance as last season's John Smith's Grand National fourth starts on the road to another tilt at the Aintree marathon.

The 10-year-old showed his well-being when second to Across The Bay in the Weatherbys Hamilton Graduation Chase over an extended three miles at Carlisle on Monday.

Trainer Evan Williams now wants to give Cappa Bleu a run at Christmas time, but he will not risk him on heavy ground again.

"It was nice to get started. I was very happy with him and it was just an ideal first run back after running at Aintree," said Williams. "He's fine, he's sound and he's happy.

"I've certainly got no worries at all. It was exactly what I wanted to do and it blew the cobwebs away.

"He will be entered for the Welsh National, but I won't run him on that ground again. It was proper heavy ground, but I had to start him somewhere.

"The horse doesn't want that ground and I don't want to be taking the stomach out of him on that kind of ground at Chepstow. You never know, we might have a mild spell and it might be all right.

"I wanted to get a run into him around this time and I'd like to run him somewhere over the Christmas period and then he'll need a run before Aintree somewhere.

"We have a few things in mind, but it all depends on the weather. The plan is just to build him up quietly. It's great to get that first run under his belt and the horse come home in one piece."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests