is eager to see how
takes to the challenge of the
course when he tackles the Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase at
on Friday.
The six-time winner – who has long been one of the Lambourn handler’s established stars – was last seen pulling-up in the Stayers’ Hurdle, but has since schooled well over a mock
fence in Lambourn ahead of his return to larger obstacles.
“We started the season aiming to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup for the second time and he ran a cracker in that, finishing second,” said Snowden.
“He didn’t really handle the softer ground through the winter but we came back this spring and the owners wanted a crack at the Stayers’ Hurdle, which didn’t quite happen for him, and he’s a better chaser than a hurdler.
“So we’re going back over fences and he’s still 2lb higher than his last winning mark, so he’s going to have to run a career best to go and win here. He finished second three times in a row and unfortunately the handicapper kept nudging him up a little bit each time.
“However, he jumped the National fences well in Lambourn and I’m looking forward to seeing him go over them at Aintree.”
Snowden is heading to Aintree with a useful squad but Challow Hurdle runner-up and Albert Bartlett fifth
will not be going.
“We schooled him over a fence last week, that will be his future next season,” said Snowden.
“It’s so dry at the moment, we could do with some rain really. When the rain comes, we’ll then make a decision if we run him again or leave him off for the summer.
“We also schooled the EBF winner Laurens Bay over fences as well and he jumped great, he’ll now have the summer off and go novice chasing next season.”