Backstage set for hurdles run at Newcastle Gordon Elliott's leading John Smith's Grand National contender Backstage could continue his Aintree preparations at Newcastle on Saturday. Having registered an impressive chasing success at Ffos Las in August, the eight-year-old shaped with promise when third over hurdles at Musselburgh on his comeback earlier this month. "There is a chance he might travel over to Newcastle for a novice hurdle on Saturday, but it will all depend on the weather and the ground," said Elliott. "He's in good form and we were delighted with his run in Musselburgh the last day as it was his first run back and he wasn't 100%. "I think if it had just been a normal northern novice hurdle he'd have nearly won, but he bumped into a couple of good ones on the day. We had to start him off somewhere and he will only continue to improve. "We were happy enough with 11st for the National, although you would always like a couple of pounds less. "He has been trained for the race and I'm very happy with where he is at the moment."
