Ball plans 'up in the air'
Ground Ball may bypass the John Smith’s Grand National – with connections eyeing one of two other races at Aintree this week.
The nine-year-old also holds entries in the John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase over two miles on Thursday, and Friday’s John Smith’s And Spar Topham Chase over the National fences.
“The horse is in great form and I think if there’s cut in the ground, he’ll probably go on Thursday if the top ones stay in,” revealed trainer Charlie Swan.
“Otherwise, we’re still a little bit up in the air about everything.”
Mister McGoldrick, who has three Aintree entries, heads the weights for the Red Rum Handicap Chase on 11st 12lb, with Armaturk on 11st 10lb.
Ground Ball currently has 10st 9lb but if both the principals miss the race, then the weights would go up by at least 13lb.
“If Armaturk runs in the two-mile handicap, Ground Ball would be likely to go for that and AP (McCoy) will ride him,” Swan continued.
“At the moment, that’s the plan unless the ground dries up a bit.
“If it does, then he’ll for the Topham as the ground will be slower on the National course.
“At the moment it’s looking like the two-miler but things could change.”
Owner JP McManus has a strong National team – headed by Clan Royal and Innox - and Swan has a jockey on stand-by should Ground Ball join them.
“Denis O’Regan might ride him if he runs in the National,” Swan concluded.
Ground Ball can currently be backed at 100-1 for the Aintree marathon.
