Grand National could be target for Topofthegame

The nine-year-old winner of the RSA Chase at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival finished second to Lostintranslation at Aintree the following month but has not been seen in competitive action since.

Just as was the case this season before injury intervened, trainer Paul Nicholls hopes to see his charge return to action in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury at the end of November.

However, while he once considered him a serious contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he now views the world's most famous steeplechase as a more suitable aim for the nine-year-old.

Speaking to Great British Racing Nicholls said: "He's fine and the plan would be for him to come in on July 1 and aim him again at the Ladbrokes Trophy.

"Now he's a bit older this year and has had a few problems - in my view, the race to train him for would be the National.

"I think he would be fantastic round Aintree as he's got some class.

"My aim is to try to get him back on track and have a good crack at trying to win the National with him.

"It's not going to be easy - it's a challenge - but he's in good shape at the moment."