Cheltenham winner Madara given Topham target

Cheltenham Festival winner Madara is set to seek further riches at Aintree next month, with a spin over the Grand National fences in the Topham.

A handicap plot in the Plate at Prestbury Park, trainer Dan Skelton had pondered a move into deeper waters before the season is out for the seven-year-old who was hit with a 10lb rise from the assessor for his seven-and-a-half-length success.

However, connections are leaning towards remaining in the handicap ranks for the time being and 24 hours before Skelton and owner Bryan Drew’s Panic Attack goes for Randox Grand National glory, Madara could provide a fitting dress rehearsal when he tackles just over one lap of the famous spruce.

Drew explained: “It’s very difficult because the two races that are left for him are the Melling Chase, which is probably going to be too hot and Dan is saying L’Eau Du Sud is going to run in it, and the Oaksey Chase at Sandown on the final day of the season.

“The Melling is normally won by a horse in the 160s which is probably a bit hot for him at this stage, so we’ve entered him in the Topham and that would be the plan at the moment.

“The fences aren’t as penal as they used to be and I think he would have no problem popping round there.

“He’s gone up 10lb for his Cheltenham win and there’s a lot of horses in the race who he beat at Cheltenham that are going to be better off this time, but I think he’ll give a good account of himself.

“He was a graded horse in a handicap at Cheltenham and there might be still a little wriggle room in his mark, but it will be a hot race as it always is the Topham.

“We’ll see where he is then, see if he’s found his level and then we can plan ahead for next season.”