Numbersix Back In Business Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde has recovered from a minor hitch and is expected to start on the road to Aintree again next month.A first run over Christmas was expected for Martin Brassil's 12-year-old, who has not been seen since finishing sixth in the Grand National with considerably more weight than his victory in 2006.An outing did not materialise and he is likely to follow the same route as nearly 12 months ago.Owner Bernie Carroll explained: 'Martin wants to run him in a hurdle and then a chase before we can hopefully go back to the National again.'The target was Christmas but he had to be held up in his work and he should be able to run in early February.'If the handicapper could be persuaded to drop him 5lb for Aintree I think he would be worth an interest as he ran a great race last year.'He'd also prefer it if it was a little bit softer.'(C) PA Sport
