While the John Smith’s Grand National is the best part of six months ago, the Aintree showpiece is very much in the thinking of Character Building’s trainer John Quinn.
The nine-year-old is set to make his seasonal return in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury next month, with the Grand National a possible long-term aim.
Character Building was third in Newbury’s Grade Three handicap two years ago and looks like lining up at the Berkshire track on November 28. Quinn said: “He’s summered well and is on track for the season ahead.
“He’s strengthened up a bit and looks very well. He’ll be entered in the Hennessy and we’ll probably go straight there.
“He goes well fresh so that won’t be a problem.”
Character Building won the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham, and was among the favourites for the Grand National in April, before he had to miss the big race through a late setback.
The talented grey has Aintree on his radar again, but Quinn will take things step by step before the National is fully considered.
He added: “We’ll look towards the National again but everything won’t be geared around Liverpool because anything can happen between now and then.
“We’re going to aim him at all the big staying races this season.”
Meanwhile Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt St Nicholas Abbey is the 2-1 favourite for tomorrow’s Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster after he was declared among the 12 entries.
