David Pipe looking to National duo to shine on Aintree stage

David Pipe is looking forward to the Randox Health Grand National with two live chances in Vieux Lion Rouge and Ballynagour.While the first-named horse is an obvious contender having won the Becher Chase and Haydock's Grand National Trial this season, it is harder to fancy the latter.He has failed to finish a race this season, but Pipe points the fact that he comes to life in the spring and was just getting involved in the race last year when he unseated Tom Scudamore at the 19th of 30 fences. "Vieux Lion Rouge has had a good prep and he ran very well in the race last year. He is stronger now and seems to be finishing his races better. He battled on really strongly at Haydock last time and his preparation so far has been good," said Pipe. "I don't think the ground will be too much concern for him over the Grand National trip. He seems to like the fences and Tom Scudamore is very much looking forward to the ride."Ballynagour is a hard horse to predict, but is a very good one on his day. He ran in the race last year and was just creeping into it on the second circuit when he just left his hind legs behind and unseated Tom Scu."He seems to come alive on the spring ground. Two main factors for horses in the Grand National - they have to jump well and stay well."