Friday 28 November 2014 15:44, UK
You Must Know Me will be flying the flag for Ireland in £70,000 Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, one of two races over the famous Grand National fences at Aintree on Saturday, December 6.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old had his first taste of the unique course in last year's renewal of extended two mile and five furlong contest, finishing third to Rebel Rebellion.
He returned to Aintree in April and was beaten 12 and a half lengths into sixth by Ma Filleule in a hotly-contested running of the Grade Three Crabbie's Topham Chase.
You Must Know Me warmed up for next week's race when fifth to Waxies Dargle in a two-mile hurdle at Fairyhouse on November 19.
De Bromhead said: "You Must Know Me seems to be in good form and the plan is to run at Aintree next Saturday.
"It was a nice comeback at Fairyhouse and he has come out of it well. He seems to love it over those Aintree fences, so we are hoping he can put up another good performance.
"I think he has nice race in him and we may consider the Grand National after this."
A total of 36 horses are engaged, headed by the Paul Nicholls-trained quartet of Rolling Aces, who was third in the Grade Two Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase last month, Rebel Rebellion, Sandown Park scorer Sound Investment and French import Fago.
Nicky Henderson may run Hunt Ball, who travelled well for a long way before fading to 17th in the Crabbie's Grand National, while Alan King could saddle 2013 Crabbie's Topham Chase runner-up Walkon.
Other notable contenders include Wiesentraum, who is on a three-timer following decisive victories at Warwick and Fakenham and Champion Court, plus the Donald McCain-trained pair of Kruzhlinin and Witness In Court.
The other race on December 6 over the Grand National fences is the £140,000 Betfred Becher Handicap Chase. Rocky Creek, also trained by Nicholls, tops 47 entries for the three and a quarter mile showpiece after coming fifth in this year's Crabbie's Grand National.
Also engaged are last year's winner Chance Du Roy, lightly-raced eight-year-old Mendip Express and Balbriggan, who made all for a decisive victory in the Troytown Chase at Navan last Sunday.
