Joe Holds Live Aintree Claims

Colin Tizzard insists Joe Lively is under serious consideration for the John Smith's Grand National.

The Grade One winner will next run in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot before heading to Cheltenham for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.

Tizzard may then launch an audacious bid at the Aintree pot for his high-class novice.

'He's a serious Grand National entry,' said the Dorset trainer.

'If he runs his race in the Royal & SunAlliance he could well go for the National and we'll make a decision straight after Cheltenham.

'He has a rating of 151 so should get a nice racing weight.

'And though he's nine, he's not a young novice and he does have lots of experience.'

Paul Nicholls will choose from seven of his Ditcheat squad, including the smart Mr Pointment, but has not entered Star De Mohaison.

Nicholls said: 'It's been decided that Star De Mohaison will wait another year before he gets an entry so Sir Robert (Ogden, owner) and I have put in Opera Mundi instead.'

Alan King revealed Classic Chase winner D'Argent may also enter the equation in Merseyside on April 5.

'Aintree would be a very different test from Warwick so we shall have to see what we feel closer to the time,' King told the Racing Post.

(C) PA Sport