Access Has National Spin Direct Access had an away day piece of work on Friday as his preparation for the John Smith's Grand National starts to step up a gear.Nicky Richards took the 11-year-old to a secret destination after scrapping plans to gallop him at Ayr racecourse.'He lobbed away for two and a half miles and everything went nicely,' said the Greystoke trainer. 'We're just keeping our fingers crossed he gets in the racenow.'He'll have a busy time next week then the countdown starts. He's in great shape and we'll looking forward to it if he gets in.'Direct Access still needs several horses to come out for him to take his chance in the world's greatest steeplechase on April 8 for which he is generally available at 25-1.He has not raced since winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November, just six days after falling at the first fence in the Becher Chase over the National fences.? PA Sport
