IMPERIAL COMMANDER has been given the go-ahead to run in the totesport Bowl at Aintree on Thursday.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup hero has come out of the festival in such good form that trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is happy to take him to Merseyside.
"He does run. I've had a chat with the owners. And as long as I'm happy he runs and I'm very happy at the moment," said the Naunton handler.
"He's come out of the Gold Cup in fantastic shape."
Meanwhile, David Casey is hoping to go two places better than two years ago when he renews his association with Snowy Morning in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Casey steered the Willie Mullins-trained gelding into third place behind Comply Or Die in 2008, and is praying the horse will be in similar form.
"It's great just to have any ride in the National but if he can go back and put up a performance like he did a couple of seasons ago then it would be great," said the Irish jockey.
"He was ninth last year when he probably hadn't been in as good a form as he had been the year before when he was third to Comply Or Die. I'm hoping for a repeat performance of that form."
Madison Du Berlais heads 65 entries following the confirmation stage. He is among five possibles from the David Pipe stable, but is not yet a definite runner as he also holds an entry in the totesport Bowl.
"Tom Scudamore will ride Madison Du Berlais if he runs. We also run Pablo Du Charmil. Danny Cook will ride him if Madison doesn't run, otherwise Scu will ride that one," said the Nicholashayne trainer.
Three of his National hopes had a schooling session on Monday morning, with Comply Or Die (partnered by Timmy Murphy), The Package (Graham Lee) and Piraya (Johnny Farrelly) put through their paces.
Though Murphy was aboard Comply or Die, he has yet to decide whether to stay loyal to the 2008 winner and 2009 runner-up, or switch to the progressive The Package. "Comply Or Die, The Package and Piraya schooled all jumped nicely," said Pipe.
"Timmy hasn't made his mind up. He rode Comply, Graham Lee came down and schooled The Package and Johnny Farrelly rides Piraya on Saturday. We are awaiting Timmy's decision and Graham will ride the other one. It's a tough one. I presume he will leave it as late as possible. Graham has won the Grand National so he knows his way around." Pipe's other contender is Pablo Du Charmil (Danny Cook).
BIG-RACE BETTING: 15-2 Big Fella Thanks, 12-1 Black Apalachi, Mon Mome, 14-1 The Package, 16-1 Tricky Trickster, 20-1 Backstage, Character Building, State Of Play, Vic Venturi, 22-1 Whinstone Boy, 25-1 Can't Buy Time, Don't Push It, 28-1 Ballyholland, Chief Dan George, Comply Or Die, Maljimar, 33-1 bar.
Fairyhouse inspection
The Fairyhouse authorities admitted yesterday evening they "need a bit of luck" if today's scheduled card is to survive a 7.30am inspection.
Up to 25mms of rain was being forecast by the Met Office to hit the track overnight, hitting a course that was already heavy yesterday.
"We would need a bit of luck if we get that sort of rain," manager Caroline Gray said.
"They are telling us to expect heavy rain and that is obviously worrying us."
Today's seven-race card is due to start at 2pm and features the €90,000 Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle.
