Rain Dance For Rembrandt Team

Connections of Sir Rembrandt want the heavens to open in the build-up to the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday.

The Wetherby feature has been chosen as the starting point for what trainer Robert Alner's hopes will be another profitable campaign culminating in a crack at the John Smith's Grand National.

Sir Rembrandt missed out on last season's Aintree showpiece when he pulled a chest muscle just two days before the race.

But after proving that setback to be a minor one by winning a three-mile chase at Uttoxeter in May, owner Alan Hordle is confident his 10-year-old can defy Father Time with a stout effort on his reappearance.

'We are all set for Wetherby but I'm hoping and praying there's more rain on the way,' said Hordle, whose charge finished second to Grey Abbey in the 2004 renewal of the Charlie Hall.

'He goes on any ground but is best when it's soft.

'He's not getting any younger but he is lightly raced and we only plan to run him three times this year.

'The first one will be at Wetherby and the third in the Welsh National (December 27).

'We are not sure about the second run but there are one or two options open to him in November.

'The Grand National would again be the long-term goal and I'm hoping we'll have a bit more luck than last year.'

(C) PA Sport