Cheltenham plan for Iroko before Grand National challenge

Iroko swerves the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso on Saturday and instead head to Cheltenham before the Randox Grand National.

The Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained eight-year-old is a general 7-1 favourite for the world’s most famous steeplechase and owner JP McManus is keen to have to him compete beforehand in the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase on the opening day of the Festival.

Iroko was fourth at Aintree last year, with this season mapped out with a return bid in mind and a runner-up effort to Gold Cup hope The Jukebox Man at Haydock was followed up by a four-and-three-quarter-length victory in the Howden Graduation Chase at Ascot in December.

Guerriero said: “I presume it will be the Ultima, we haven’t been told 100 per cent, but I presume it will be.

“The Grand National’s the main target and he’s all good for that so he’ll run at Cheltenham in a race that will probably be the Ultima as a prep run for the National.

“There was no issue with Kelso, they would just prefer Cheltenham. It seems to have a good record for the National, so we’re going to stick to that.”

Iroko could have stablemate Jagwar lining up alongside him in the Ultima at Prestbury Park, as connections are keen to keep their National options open with him, needing to run over three miles to qualify for the race.

Jagwar was only beaten a head over two and a half miles at Cheltenham last month and although he holds an entry in the Plate over the same distance, a step up to three miles is now more likely.

Guerriero added: “He’s very good. He seems in great form. It’s a step forward forward from Cheltenham, I’d say, so fingers crossed he goes there with a great chance.

“I think most likely he will go for the Ultima, as if they want to go for the Grand National he’s got to run over three miles, which I think they’re half-thinking of but haven’t fully decided yet.”