2017 Randox Health Grand National hero One For Arthur will make his comeback run at Aintree Racecourse next month - but connections will leave it late to decide which race he runs in.
The Grade Two Many Clouds Chase and the Randox Health Becher Chase over the Grand National fences are the options at the Merseyside track on December 8.
The Lucinda Russell-trained nine-year-old has not run since his Grand National triumph, under Derek Fox, in April 2017 due to a tendon injury.
The Scottish-based handler has been delighted with One For Arthur’s progress - but she won't decide whether he goes back over the big Aintree obstacles or the Mildmay fences just yet.
He is a best-priced 16-1 with Ladbrokes, Coral, Boylesport and Betfair for the Becher Chase behind Coral and Ladbrokes' 8-1 favourite Abolitionist, who won over hurdles last weekend.
List of entries for the Becher Chase and Grand Sefton Chase
The Kinross trainer Russell said: “I’m not quite sure yet. We’ll make a decision once we’ve done a few more bits of work with him, look at the entries and see what the ground’s like.
“He seems in really good form. He’s worked fabulous, even better than he did this time two years ago. We’re very pleased with him.”
Russell will also send Forest Des Aigles to Aintree for a run in the other race over the Grand National fences, the Grand Sefton Chase, on the same afternoon.
The seven-year-old came back from a near 10-month absence to win Ayr two weeks ago.
And Russell added: “I was really pleased with him and he goes for the Grand Sefton,” she said.
“He jumped really well and we hope he do that over the Aintree fences as well. He’s a very classy horse.”
