Dual Ryanair Chase winner Albertas Run heads a five-strong Jonjo O'Neill team for the John Smith's Grand National and could head to Aintree after the Cheltenham Festival.

The 12-year-old has been allocated 11st 8lb in the weights published on Tuesday, while his stablemate Sunnyhillboy, who finished a gallant second to Neptune Collonges last year, has 11st. O'Neill's others are Lost Glory (10st 4lb), Alfie Sherrin (9st 12lb) and Mister Hyde (9st 11lb).

The trainer said: "They would all run if they get in. The plan is for Albertas to go for the Ryanair and then we'll have a chat. Like Sunnyhillboy, they both like better ground and a bit of sun. Sunnyhillboy adapted well last year and if he could do that again and maybe a small bit more, I'd be delighted."

Other to react to the weights included Gordon Elliott, whose six entries feature Roi Du Mee (11st 1lb), Jessies Dream (10st 5lb) and Chicago Grey (10st 3lb).

He said: "Jessies Dream is the dark horse. He hasn't run since he was second in the RSA, and he was within a fortnight of running last year. He's in good form and the National would be the plan. Chicago Grey has had a wind operation since last year. He might run in the cross-country race before the National."

Nigel Twiston-Davies (Imperial Commander 11st 6lb, Little Josh 10st 11lb, Major Malarkey 9st 9lb, Viking Blond 9st 7lb): "Imperial Commander's next race is the Gold Cup, that's what we're aiming for. If for some reason that doesn't work out, it's a hell of a consolation prize. I hope he'll run."

David Bridgwater (Wyck Hill 10st 4lb): "He should be unbeaten over fences but for a mishap at Newbury and has gone from strength to strength this year. If it all goes according to plan he will go for the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton and we'll take a view after that."

Evan Williams (Cappa Bleu 10st 7lb): "Cappa Bleu seems grand and I'm desperate to run him, so hopefully he'll be out over the next fortnight. Every horse in the weights has a chance, but if he has luck in running, he has every possibility."

Kim Bailey (The Rainbow Hunter 10st 2lb): "It was horrible ground at Chepstow last time and he runs on Saturday at Ascot. It's how they react to Aintree on the day. He's not very big, but I think he'll deal with it. He will do a load of schooling first and I'm sure he'll run a blinder if he gets there."

David Pipe (The Package 10st 8lb, Problema Tic 10st 4lb, Swing Bill 10st 4lb, Matuhi 9st 11lb): "The Package didn't perform on heavy ground last time but his run in the Hennessy was rock-solid. The weight is fine. If he can get back to that sort of form, he must have a chance. Swing Bill is on a nice weight."

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