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Samuri as short as 12-1 for National after Grimthorpe win

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Right is THE LAST SAMURI with D Bass

The Last Samuri is now co-favourite for the Grand National in places

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com/photos)  

 By Lewis Porteous 4:01PM 5 MAR 2016 

Report: Doncaster, Saturday

BetBright Grimthorpe Chase (Class 2 handicap) 3m2f, 5yo+

THE LAST SAMURI looks a serious Crabbie’s Grand National contender after running out a hugely impressive winner of the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster.

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Bookmakers certainly thought so, with Paddy Power promoting the Kim Bailey-trained eight-year-old to 12 co-favouritism (from 20) to follow up in the Aintree showpiece on April 9.

Pricewise highlighted The Last Samuri’s National credentials when tipping Paul and Clare Rooney’s chaser for the race at 33-1 last month and some brave jumps in the home straight did nothing to dampen enthusiasm for Aintree.

Formerly trained by Donald McCain, The Last Samuri was recording a second win from three runs for Bailey, who famously won the National in a course-record time with Mr Frisk in 1990.

Although deliberate at some of his fences early, The Last Samuri warmed to the task and as rider David Bass asked some serious questions from three out, his partner responded willingly.

‘Much more professional now’

Mat Nicholls, assistant to Bailey, said: “I’m delighted with that but he was ready for today I wouldn’t say he’s going to improve a stone by Aintree.

“However, he jumped and travelled and the further he went the better he got. It was just what we wanted. He won his races in small fields last season but his win at Kempton did him the power of good and he’s much more professional now.

“He used to be a bit hot and we’ve taught him to settle but he’s almost too switched off now, he races lazily for the first mile but then he gets into gear.”

The Druids Nephew cut for Aintree

The Last Samuri was not the only runner in the field with Grand National aspirations, as runner-up The Druids Nephew ran a solid trial for Aintree, albeit ten lengths behind the impressive winner.

Having led the National field when falling five out last season, The Druids Nephew is now 14-1 (from 20) with Betfred to strike this year.

Along with The Last Samuri, Silviniaco Conti and Many Clouds, who missed his intended prep for Aintree when Kelso was abandoned on Saturday, head Paddy Power’s market for the Grand National.

 

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