Rajdhani Express could tackle the Melling Chase at Aintree
Rajdhani Express could tackle the Grade One Melling Chase rather than the Grand National fences in the Topham at Aintree
Last Updated: 20/03/14 3:40pm
Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old won the Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival, but looked to have been set a stiff test on his return to Prestbury Park for last week's Ryanair Chase.
However, he justified the confidence of his team with a huge run to finish third behind Dynaste and Hidden Cyclone, and jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, son of owner Robert, admits the Melling Chase is an attractive option.
He said: "We've just not decided yet whether he's going to run in the Topham or the Melling.
"If you took a form line through Wishfull Thinking I don't think his run in the Ryanair was a huge surprise.
"He ran the best race he's ever run and we were delighted, the ground is the key to him.
"He's a home bred, he's a great horse and he delivered on the biggest stage.
"We had the option of the Byrne Group Plate (at Cheltenham), but when you see how much in hand Ballynagour won with, I think we made the right choice.
"I'd love to ride him over the National fences but when you have a horse in the form he is you have to give serious consideration to the Grade Ones.
"We'll decide nearer the time."