Iroko camp eyeing Kempton prize for National favourite

Randox Grand National favourite Iroko could warm up for his return to Aintree with an outing in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton later this month.

The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was fourth in the world’s most famous steeplechase last year and following wind surgery during the off season returned with a keeping-on second to subsequent King George hero and leading Gold Cup contender The Jukebox Man at Haydock in November.

Iroko then won a graduation chase at Ascot to reaffirm his Grand National credentials – and while last season he finished second to Grey Dawning in Kelso’s Premier Chase as his final prep for his main assignment, connections are considering a different route this time around.

Josh Guerriero, who trains Iroko in partnership with Oliver Greenall, said: “We haven’t fully decided where we want to go with any of the team yet, but it’s looking the most likely we’re looking at Kempton for the Ladbrokes Trophy.

“We’ve got Kelso again if we wanted to go for a less competitive race and we have thought about going for the Ultima (at the Cheltenham Festival), but the only issue with that is if for some reason we couldn’t run there, we’ve got no options after that for a run, so it’ll be a bit risky to wait for that maybe.

“We just feel he needs a good run in a proper handicap and have a decent race, rather than go in a three/four-runner field and learn nothing again.”

Guerriero and and Greenall have also entered Cheltenham Festival winner Jagwar in the Aintree showpiece.

Another high-class performer for McManus, the seven-year-old has been placed in two competitive handicaps at Prestbury Park so far this season, most recently going down by a head on Festival Trials day.

On his Grand National entry, Guerriero added: “They asked us to enter, but we haven’t discussed anything beyond that really.”

Willie Mullins is responsible for 15 of the 78 initial entries, including last year’s winner Nick Rockett and the 2024 victor I Am Maximus.

Welsh Grand National hero Haiti Couleurs is also in the mix for Rebecca Curtis, but the Cheltenham Gold Cup appears his main target at this stage.

Gordon Elliott has 12 in as he searches for a record-equalling fourth National victory.

The weights will be revealed at a ceremony in Liverpool in a fortnight’s time and the first forfeit stage is on March 3.

Final declarations are 72 hours before the race, with six reserves named in a bid ensure a maximum field of 34 runners.