Trainer Kim Bailey believes a return to better ground will bring out the best in The Rainbow Hunter in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

A winner at Ascot on his seasonal return in November, The Rainbow Hunter was pulled up in a bog at Chepstow next time but ran more encouragingly when fourth in a Listed event at Ascot on his latest appearance.

The progressive nine-year-old is one of 73 horses going forward for the National following the first scratchings deadline. Bailey, who landed the 1990 Grand National with Mr Frisk, said: "The Rainbow Hunter is still on course for the Grand National. He came out of his run at Ascot very well and I think he will improve for that."

The trainer went on: "He wants good ground - it was very gluey at Ascot. He found it hard to jump out of that ground because he is not very big and finds it quite difficult. He will go on soft but not when the going is like that. He seems to stay well and his size wouldn't concern me around Aintree because I ran Docklands Express around there and he was smaller. It all depends on how they jump.

"I'm hoping there is more to come from him because he seems to be improving and I think the ground will make a big difference. He is in at Cheltenham but I have not made a decision about whether or not he runs there first."

Donald McCain enjoyed a memorable victory in the 2011 National with Ballabriggs, and the 12-year-old is among the Cheshire handler's four remaining entries for this year's renewal.

McCain said: "Everything has gone smoothly with Ballabriggs' preparation this time - we are very happy with him. He will complete his preparation in the same Kelso event he has run in for the last two years. He is 12 years old but Amberleigh House won it at 12. Ballabriggs is an Aintree horse - he likes the place.

"Weird Al was running a nice race last year when he fell at the fourth-last. His form has been disappointing this season but he is a little bit that way. He seemed to be taking to Aintree quite well last year. It was slightly unusual that Across The Bay's last race was over hurdles but he won a Grade Two at Haydock.

"He stays, he jumps and is a young and improving horse, who is going the right way. If he took to the place, he could run a massive race."

Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has four remaining contenders, headed by On His Own and Prince De Beauchene. The trainer has, however, scratched Call The Police. Gordon Elliott captured the John Smith's Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch and has six contenders going forward, headlined by Chicago Grey and Roi Du Mee. Seabass, Wyck Hill and Join Together all remain in the mix. Call The Police is one of 11 scratchings, with the injured Tidal Bay taken out as expected.

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