Newland admits Pineau has tough task Trainer Dr Richard Newland admits last year's winner Pineau De Re will have to "raise his game" when he bids to defend his Crabbie's Grand National crown next month. The 2014 Aintree hero was only 11th behind Call The Cops in the Pertemps Network Final at Cheltenham last week, having finished third last season on his way to lifting the world's most famous steeplechase. Newland will now put his stable star through the same routine as last spring before he attempts to repeat his landmark victory on April 11. "He's OK. He'll have to raise his game for Aintree, but we're on track," said the Worcester handler. "We'll be trying again and will do the same with him as last year in the build-up to the race." Newland has a second Grand National entry in Royale Knight, although the nine-year-old may not make the cut and has the Coral Scottish Grand National as a back-up. Royale Knight will have his prep run in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Chepstow on Thursday. "He's in good form and runs on Thursday at Chepstow," said Newland. "Normally he would get in the National, but it's not guaranteed. "We're training him for the race. If he gets in great, but he's entered in the Scottish National at Ayr the following week if he doesn't get in at Aintree." Tom George believes Saint Are's liking for the track will stand him in good stead when he goes for glory in the National. Saint Are has got round in both his attempts so far over the famous fences, taking ninth place behind Auroras Encore in the world's greatest steeplechase in 2013 and finishing third to Oscar Time in the Becher Chase in December. He also won a Grade One novice hurdle and a competitive handicap chase on the Mildmay course earlier in his career. "I'm thrilled with him. We resisted the temptation to run him last week (at Cheltenham) and he's absolutely spot on at the moment, he's exactly where we want him," said George. "He likes the track and that should be in his favour."
