Alfa Beat could have Down Royal prep Shark Hanlon expects Alfa Beat to be his first runner in the John Smith's Grand National. The eight-year-old grey won the Kerry National at Listowel in September and is set to have a prep run for Aintree over hurdles in the Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. "That race will be a stepping stone in his preparation for the Grand National," said the County Carlow handler. "He is in great form and I have been delighted with him over the winter. "We wanted to give him a run over hurdles to get a run into him before going back over fences and he could have his final prep run before Aintree at Down Royal on March 17. "The ground when he won at Listowel in September was too soft for him - he got through it, but he definitely wants better ground. "The owner (Irvin Naylor) is very keen on the Grand National and it's great to have a horse that is going to be competitive in such a big race."
