Gunner has his sights set on Aintree

Martell Grand National hope Gunner Welburn pleased connections in a getting-to-know-you schooling session with big-race jockey Tony Dobbin today.

The 10-year-old, who won the Martell Fox Hunters` Chase over two and three-quarter miles of the National course last April, jumped three fences on the gallops of his former trainer Caroline Bailey this morning.

'He went very well and Tony was very happy with him,' said Mrs Bailey.

'He went up with Secret Bay and they both jumped very well.'

Gunner Welburn, beaten half-a-length by Last Option in the Christie`s Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival two weeks ago, has had to leave Bailey`s point-to-point yard at Holdenby in Northamptonshire, in order to comply with Jockey Club rules for him to run in the Grand National.

But he has only gone a mile down the road to Mrs Bailey`s sister-in-law, Julia `Tik` Saunders.

'He`s very relaxed there and eating up and he has to stay there for the rest of the season,' remarked Mrs Bailey, who plans to give him one final gallop before his bid for the world`s greatest race on Saturday week.

'He did a good strong piece of week this morning. He`ll probably do another over the weekend, Sunday or Monday, and then he`ll be ready to go hopefully.'

Mrs Bailey`s father, Dick Saunders who died in January, partnered Grittar to victory when a 48-year-old amateur in the Aintree marathon 20 years ago.

Gunner Welburn, who is currently 7lb out of the handicap in the Grand National, is quoted at 20-1 with the Tote.