Elliott Plotting Aintree Repeat Gordon Elliott plans to keep his John Smith's Grand National hero Silver Birch over cross-country fences this season as he prepares to defend his Aintree title.Elliott reignited the 10-year-old's enthusiasm for racing by running him in the specialist races ? he was second to Heads Onthe Ground in the event at the Cheltenham Festival ? and expects him to return to the same track at the Paddy Power meeting.'He's back and hacking away steady. so it's all roads towards the cross-country race at Cheltenham in November,' Elliott told At The Races.'He ran a blinder at the Festival giving the winner 12lb. The better horse won on the day, but he came good at Aintree.'Back to Cheltenham in March then Aintree in April will be his days. He seems to be well at the moment, touch wood he'll be OK.'(C) PA Sport
