Ballabriggs in Aintree focus at 20/1

All roads lead to Aintree for 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs following his hugely promising effort at Kelso.

Trainer Donald McCain has used Kelso’s Premier Chase as his charge’s Grand National prep for the past three years and this was arguably his best effort.

On ground he detested, Ballabriggs travelled superbly and looked the winner two from home before tiring.

McCain has left plenty to work on, while there is also the suggestion that the yard’s horses are not finished their races as powerfully as normal. If Ballabriggs can improve for the run, which seems likely, and the yard turn the corner form-wise then the gelding will be a big challenger for Aintree honours.

Ballabriggs loves Aintree, will be happy on what is likely to be good spring ground and has a competitive racing weight on the 11 stone mark. He may be 12, but he has limited miles on the clock and the trainer’s father won the race with Amberleigh House who was the same age. At 20/1, he ticks enough boxes to make him a decent each-way punt.