Pipe backs Junior to shine
February 07, 2012 09:50:29 UK
David Pipe has four horses entered for the Grand National but it's clear he's particularly sweet on the front running nine-year-old Junior's chances.
"It's been the long-term aim to go for the race since winning at the Festival last year," he said.
Junior, 13.00 to win the Grand National, has not been seen this season but the trainer reports he "is working well at home and in good form with himself."
The plan now is that he will have a couple of runs before the big day in April with the first possibly coming at Newbury this weekend where he is entered for a hurdles race.
However, the trainer said: "We shall take a look at the entries and wait until later in the week before deciding whether he definitely runs or not. Our other entries in the race include The Package who has unseated Graham Lee when still going well in the race in 2010.
"He picked up an injury and missed most of last season but has been doing all his prep work with Timmy Murphy and returned to us last month. He is in great nick and me may go straight to the Cheltenham Festival."
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
Massini's Maguire, 1000.00 to win the Grand National, is also entered and Pipe says that although he was a little disappointing at Ascot earlier in the season that should be forgotten as "he works really nicely at home and possesses a great deal of ability."
"He is not the easiest to train but is very talented and I look forward to running him at Ascot later this month and we will then decide about the Grand National afterwards."
Swing Bill (101.00) is the yard's final entry - a horse the trainer declares as "a real character and has never really run a bad race since joining Pond House.
"He has jumped round the National fences before. He is likely to have a run this month before heading to the Cheltenham Festival and whatever race he runs there he is sure to give you a good run."
View all Horse Racing betting