Griffin Hoping For Better Luck With Portrait Portrait King attempts to banish a Newcastle mishap to the memory when he goes to post for the Betfred Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter today. Patrick Griffin's veteran was brought down at the first fence when bidding for a second Eider Chase success last time out. Griffin said: "We're very happy with the horse and we're just hoping they get the rain that's forecast as that will increase his chances. "He was very unlucky in the Eider, so hopefully we can get some compensation on Saturday. "Staying is his forte and we're hoping for a big run." Mad Brian is an interesting contender for trainer Gillian Callaghan, having made the most of a lenient mark over hurdles when bolting up at Navan a month ago, while Michael Scudamore bids to keep up his good record in long-distance chases this season with Mysteree. The nine-year-old is seeking to continue his own rise through the staying ranks in the Listed contest, having bounced back from defeat in the Sussex National at Plumpton with victory in last month's Eider. Scudamore said: "He has come out of the Eider better than we expected. He has come out of it better than he went into it. We thought this race might come too soon, but he seems in great form. "Hopefully the Eider won't have left too much of a mark, but we won't know that question until he gets to the track.. "He is a good, improving stayer and is at the right age to continue. I suppose he hinted what he could do in the Eider last year and he has strengthened up a lot since then. "He proved how well he stays last time and the test of stamina should suit him. The trip should hold no bars for him. "They are saying it is good to soft and as long as it didn't dry up that would be fine, but if they did have a shower it would help."
