McConnell excited by Aintree Mission John McConnell is excited by the prospect of running Mahler Mission in the Grand National this April and has said his charge could head straight to Aintree. The Mahler gelding chased home Datsalrightgino in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury early last month and McConnell reports the eight-year-old to have come out of the race in fine form. A prep run over hurdles is a possibility, but isn't a necessity, ahead of a tilt at the world's most famous race. "It was a good run in Newbury when runner-up in the Coral Gold Cup last month,” said the Stamullen handler. “The winner was stepping up in trip, so he probably improved a lot for that. It looked like he did anyway. He could be anything himself. "Mahler Mission travelled with a lot of class through the race, so we were delighted with the run. He had a good break after it. “He's bouncing now, so we will see how he is around March time and make a call on it (run over hurdles). He wouldn't need the run if it didn't come up. I wouldn't be afraid of going straight there. "Crossing the Melling Road, I think he'll be there. Who know after that? I don't think the fences will be a problem. Obviously, he has to take to them and stuff, but he is a very good jumper bar that one mistake in Cheltenham. “He is entitled to go there and take his chance, and have a chance of running well. When you have that opportunity in the Grand National, you have to take it." (Michael Graham)
