Options open for Ogden pair

Connections of Martell Grand National casualties Ad Hoc and Marlborough will leave it until later in the week before deciding where to send them next.

The Sir Robert Ogden-owned pair both came to grief in the Aintree spectacular with Marlborough falling at the first and Ad Hoc being brought down four from home when travelling particularly well.

Ad Hoc, who is trained by Paul Nicholls, could be heading to Sandown for the Attheraces Gold Cup on April 27, of which he was an impressive winner last season.

He is also in the Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National a week on Saturday with 10st 11lb but Ogden`s racing manager Barry Simpson said today: 'We want to see how they come out of the race first but Ad Hoc could possibly go for Whitbread if he goes for anything.

'We need to give him chance to get over his race and that`s why we would prefer to go for the three weeks rather than the two.'

But Simpson revealed the Nicky Henderson-trained Marlborough may try to gain quick compensation in the marathon Ayr contest.

The 10-year-old has been allotted top weight of 11st 12lb for the four mile, one furlong contest, which he finished sixth in two years ago.

Simpson confirmed: 'We are hoping Marlborough could go to Ayr for the Scottish Grand National.

'We have run in it once before and were sixth but we will have to see how he comes out of the race.'

Although provisional plans have been discussed, Simpson says nothing is definite yet and it will depend on how the two horses are after their Aintree exertions.

He added: 'It`s too early to say at the moment - we`ll see in the middle of the week.'