Auroras continues Aintree build-up

Connections of last year's Grand National hero Auroras Encore are hoping for a big run as he continues his build-up to another crack at the Aintree showpiece in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster today.

Sue Smith reports the 12-year-old to be ready to run after his first outing of the campaign, when he was fifth behind his stablemate Cloudy Too in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

The Bingley trainer said: "The horse is in very good form going there. It will be a good race and we are hopeful he will run a big race. They are giving the ground as good to soft and soft. I think he will cope with that."

Time For Rupert has been a smart performer in his time, but has had more than his share of problems and was returning after a long lay-off when a tailed-off last of four finishers behind Reve De Sivola in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last month.

The 10-year-old has come down in the ratings and his trainer Paul Webber wants to see if he retains his ability

"We've had a few little muscle problems at home, so we've been a bit quiet with runners recently, but we think he's ready for action and the handicapper has given him a chance. We'll have to see if he can still do it," said the Banbury handler.

"He was coming back off a 14-month absence after surgery at Ascot and I think he just got leg-weary in that desperate ground. His better efforts have usually been on spring-time ground. We're hoping the ground will be to his liking at Doncaster."

Andy Turnell feels this task might be too much for The Druids Nephew, but is happy to let him have a shot at such a good prize.

The Wiltshire trainer said: "He seems fine. James (Banks) got on well with him before so he keeps the ride and takes 5lb off. I think this race might just be a bit good for us. He might be punching above his weight, so we'll see what happens. The owners were very keen to go for it."

Native Gallery arrives at Doncaster on the back of a fine effort at Kempton, where he was third to Planet Of Sound. His trainer Ben de Haan is looking for an other creditable display from his nine-year-old, who is near the bottom of the weights.

The handler said: "He's in great form. It's a competitive race, but we'll give it a go and he won't mind the ground. I was very pleased with his run at Kempton the other day. I asked Noel (Fehily), who rode him that day, what he thought about throwing him in it, and he said I should definitely declare him.

"He's riding Emma's (Lavelle) horse (Gullinbursti) and wouldn't have been able to do the weight for us anyway. We've got Leighton Aspell. We hope our luck changes as he's not had much luck for me before. He's a good jockey and he's in great form as well."