Nigel Twiston-Davies reports Blaklion is ‘flying’ ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock

NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES can't wait to saddle Blaklion in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday.

Blaklion was a beaten favourite in the race 12 months ago, but then went on to finish fourth in the big one at Aintree.

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He is the ante-post favourite for this year's Grand National and this looks the perfect opportunity for a prep run.

Twiston-Davies said: "He's flying and we're looking forward to Saturday.

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"I think it makes more sense at the moment to go to Haydock as there is a good space between that race and Aintree."

Danny Cook is looking forward to being reunited with The Dutchman.

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After the eight-year-old moved to Colin Tizzard's yard he lost the ride, but with Harry Cobden and Robbie Power otherwise engaged, Cook gets the chance once again.

He said: "I'm delighted to be riding him again. I won a novice hurdle at Wetherby on him, beating a good horses of Philip Hobbs' called No Comment and he went on to finish second to Le Prezien in the Grade 2 at Kelso, so I have some good form on him.

"Those races were over two and two-and-a-quarter miles, but he was always a stayer, so I'm looking forward to riding him over a longer trip over fences."

Three Faces West is a leading hope for trainer Philip Hobbs, but needs to bounce back from a fall at Haydock in December.

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Michael Scudamore's Mysteree is also on a retrieval mission after pulling up in the Welsh Grand National.

"I was disappointed with him at Chepstow, but we scoped him straight afterwards and the vet set he had a lot of mud in his lungs from all the kickback," explained Scudamore.

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"He seems fresh and well again now, he's won over the course and distance, he likes heavy ground and he has a feather weight on his back.

"He's got to step up, especially after his run at Chepstow, but we're very happy with him at home and hopefully he get back to where he was last season."

Wild West Wind (Tom George), Silsol (Paul Nicholls), Sir Mangan (Dan Skelton) and Yala Enki (Venetia Williams) complete the line-up.