Peter Bowen eyeing Grand National with Minella Daddy
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Peter Bowen hopes Minella Daddy can develop into a contender for the Randox Health Grand National.
The seven-year-old suffered a setback after pulling up in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and has not run since.
Although the three-times winner remains some way off a return to action, Bowen believes he could be the ideal type to aim at the Aintree marathon in time.
The trainer said: "Minella Daddy struck into himself at Kempton and by the time we got him back it was too late, so we turned him away.
"He won't be ready much before Christmas. He could well go back to that Listed race at Ascot he finished second in last year.
"He could easily be a National horse as he jumps so well, but it all depends on how much he progresses. I wouldn't mind him turning into that and I can see him progressing into one."
The Pembrokeshire-based handler plans to make the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton on November 11 the next target for last season's bet365 Gold Cup winner Henllan Harri.
He said: "He will go for the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton. It is a right-handed track and that, together with the trip, will suit him.
"He ran in the Summer Cup (at Uttoxeter) after having a break and he ran well, but as it was coming off a break, he might just have needed it.
"I think there could well be another big one in him."
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