Alan King has reported that Grand National hope Godsmejudge suffered a setback when pulled up in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on Saturday
Alan King has reported that Grand National hope Godsmejudge suffered a setback when pulled up in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on Saturday...
Plans are now on hold for last year's Scottish Grand National hero while the problem is investigated.
"He's not right. There's a stress problem somewhere, but we don't know what it is just yet," said the Barbury Castle trainer.
"Everything's on hold with him at the moment."
Monbeg Dude remains very much on course for the Grand National, however, after he stayed on well from the rear to take fifth place in the Grimthorpe.
"He's come back all happy and well. We're happy enough with the way he ran, all things considered, and he's all set up nicely for Aintree," said trainer Michael Scudamore.
"He's really fresh and happy. He was bucking and kicking out in the field on Sunday morning."
Sue Smith took the National last season with Auroras Encore, and Mr Moonshine, her representative this year, put up a good effort when second to Maggio in his prep run in the Premier Chase at Kelso on Saturday.
"He's grand and in good form. It's 100 per cent on to Aintree now," said the Bingley trainer's husband and assistant, Harvey.
Monbeg Dude can be backed at 23.022/1 while Mr Moonshine can be backed at double that price, trading at 46.045/1.
News has also emerged that last year's Grand National third and current favourite Teaforthree could run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he would be ridden by Champion Jockey A P McCoy. Teaforthree has 22 lb to find on Timeform's ratings with Bobs Worth, though, and can be backed at 55.054/1 for the Festival feature. Another fancied National runner that is set to take in the Gold Cup is the Nicky Henderson-trained Topham Chase winner Triolo D'Alene who hasn't been since an impressive win in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
