[denphone]

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/

JUNIOR'S narrow defeat in the Williamhill.com Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on Saturday led to the nine-year-old being promoted to joint-favouritism for the John Smith'sGrand National with Ladbrokes.

After a gallant effort conceding nearly two stone and going down by a short head to Ikorodu Road, Ladbrokes made Junior a 10-1 shot at the head of their market with Prince De Beauchene.

Both jockey Tom Scudamore and trainer David Pipe were delighted with the run, and Pipe, who was at Newbury rather than Doncaster, said: "I haven't actually seen it but he must have run a blinder. It's all systems go now for Aintree."

Last year's winner Ballabriggs was also in action, finishing fourth on his seasonal reappearance at Kelso, a performance which led to Ladbrokes making him a 12-1 chance [from 16] to retain his crown.

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse...er/995195/top/

PAUL NICHOLLS reported on Saturday that Kauto Star has made progress in his bid to line up for the Betfred Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

The participation of the 12-year-old in the festival showpiece has become shrouded in doubt after the news emerged that he took a heavy fall while schooling at Ditcheat.

However, Nicholls, speaking on Channel 4 on Saturday afternoon said: "He's going in the right direction very quickly, Clifford [Baker] had difficulty pulling him up which is a good sign with him."

Thats good news and its looking like all systems go for the Gold Cup.

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse...od/995361/top/

Newbury, Saturday

Barbury International Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup (Grade 3 handicap chase) 2m4f 5yo+

A SUPERB ride from Ruby Walsh gave favourite backers a great result as the 100-30 market leader Aerial got up in the shadow of the post to defeat the David Pipe-trained Dan Breen. Rileyev ran a cracker to finish close up in third.

In a thrilling finish Walsh conjured up a late rally from Aerial, having sat well off a fierce pace set by Pickamus. He said afterwards: "At least we got there. He's an honest little horse who jumps really well."