Regal Encore in Midlands National frame

Anthony Honeyball is leaning towards making the Betfred Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter the next port of call for Regal Encore provided conditions are suitable.Although not ruling the nine-year-old out of the Randox Health Grand National, in which he is guaranteed a run, the Mosterton handler is keen for the JP McManus-owned gelding to take his chance in the extended four-mile-one-furlong prize on March 18 first.He said: "We are going to go for the Midlands National with Regal Encore unless it is a bog. If it is good to soft and soft in places at worst, he will go and at least then you can find out if he stays the trip."He added: "Frank Berry (racing manager to McManus) said they have had quite a bit of luck in the Midlands National and that it sounds quite interesting for him."If we have a bit of luck we could go for the National, but we would see how is after Uttoxeter and decide after that if he goes there."