National build-up begins for Backstage Backstage begins his public preparation for a crack at the John Smith's Grand National with an outing over hurdles at Musselburgh on Sunday. It will be his first race since August and trainer Gordon Elliott warns that the eight-year-old will need the exercise in the Scottish Racing Novices' Hurdle. The County Meath handler then plans to give Backstage a run over fences in about a month's time ahead of Aintree. "He's in good form, it's his first run of the season and it's a stepping-stone towards the Grand National," said Elliott. "It's over hurdles, he'll come on a ton for it. If he runs a respectable race and is placed, we'll be delighted. "He'll then have a run over fences here in Ireland in four or five weeks' time then on to the National." Backstage, who got round at his first try at the National fences when eighth in the Fox Hunters' Chase last spring, is a best-priced 25-1 for the Aintree marathon on April 10.
