Hughes Bullish Over Barrow Chance

Pat Hughes believes Point Barrow will 'definitely' make the frame if he enjoys a trouble-free passage in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National.

The nine-year-old has enjoyed a very similar preparation to last year's winner Numbersixvalverde, winning the Irish Grand National 12 months ago before mixing his time over hurdles and fences this season.

He landed a big prize at Leopardstown in January and caught the eye when staying on to great effect in a two-mile-six-furlong hurdle race on his latest outing.

And despite showing better form on ground with plenty of cut, Hughes believes good ground will not pose a problem.

'I'd say he's in good form and I'm very happy with him ? his preparation has been good,' said Hughes.

'Aintree has been watered for quite a while now and I see today that they might water after racing in the next two days so I'll be happy it'd be as good as it was for the Irish National last year.

'He travels so well in his races and he's always come home well so he's never had any problems on good ground.

'I know he's up in the weights a bit but he's a horse that stays and jumps and it's the luck in running that counts,' he told At The Races.

'I'd say that if he can avoid trouble, he'll definitely be in the first four.'

(C) PA Sport