West Approach stakes Grand National claim with Cheltenham verdict

West Approach emerged as a potential Grand National contender after gaining the most notable victory of his career in the BetVictor Smartcards Handicap Chase.

Benefitting from an ice cool ride by Robbie Power, the Colin Tizzard-trained nine-year-old ended his losing streak – which stretched back to December 2017 – in the Grade Three contest.

Anchored at the rear of the field for much of the extended three-mile-three-furlong prize, the 11-4 joint favourite was produced to hit the front after the last by Power before quickening away to defeat Achille by three lengths.

Tizzard said: “Robbie said that is what he was going to do – sit last then the go after the last. That takes a bit of nerve.

“He said he would sooner get beat going later than early and don’t expect to see him until the end. It made me nervous watching it.

“He has been knocking on the door and he shook Paisley Park up last season. I hope it has not taken us four years to find out this is the right way to ride him.”

Although West Approach was cut to 16-1 for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury later this month by the race sponsors, Tizzard warned he was far from certain to make a quick reappearance.

He added: “He came fifth in the Ladbrokes Trophy (at Newbury) last year (and) if you ever knew (owner) John Snook, you’d have a job to stop him having a go at that. That’s a fortnight’s time, which is probably a bit quick.

“I didn’t think he was good enough for the Grand National, but riding him like that, he might be and if the entries closed tomorrow, you would put him in.”

Power seemed cool on the idea of the Grand National when interviewed by Lydia Hislop on Racing TV. He said: "I think he's too careful for that."