Good ground needed for Marlborough

Ground conditions are likely to decide whether class act Marlborough is allowed to take his chance in the Martell Grand National on Saturday week.

The Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth has recovered well from his exertions at Prestbury Park.

However, connections are still mulling over whether to send the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding for the National or the Martell Cup, in which owner Sir Robert Ogden also has See More Business.

Ogden`s racing manager, Barry Simpson, said today: 'The ground would have to be in Marlborough`s favour for him to run in the National. He needs good ground.

'In softer conditions I would be very concerned about his stamina, as he didn`t appear to stay when we tried him in the Scottish National once before.

'Added to that, he has plenty of weight in the National, so we`ll see whether Florida Pearl runs, although he looks unlikely at this stage.'

See More Business has also done well since Cheltenham, where he was third behind Best Mate, and a place in front of Marlborough.

Simpson added: 'See More Business has the Martell Cup as his objective. It has to be said there would not be much point in running both See More Business and Marlborough in the same race, but it could happen.'

Simpson also had news on Brother Joe, who crashed out of the Bonusprint Stayers` Hurdle at an early stage.

'He jumped the first OK, missed the second and then, technically, unseated at the third,' Simpson said.

'It was frustrating as we had done plenty of schooling with him over the winter and he jumped very well at Wincanton.

'He will now run in the Martell Aintree Hurdle, where the two and a half miles will be perfect for him.'