Tuesday 27 January 2015 12:07, UK
Night In Milan will aim for back-to-back wins in the William Hill Grimthorpe Chase before heading for the Crabbie's Grand National.
Keith Reveley's stable star ran another game race at his beloved Doncaster, hitting the front early in the straight before staying on for third behind If In Doubt and Baileys Concerto in the Sky Bet Chase.
The Saltburn handler was delighted with his effort and believes the extra two furlongs in the Grimthorpe suits him much better these days.
"I was over the moon with him and the biggest plus point with the National in mind was that he didn't mind not being in front," said Reveley.
"He's bound to be in and around horses at Aintree and it didn't seem to bother him so that was good. He still ran his race but three miles is a bit on the short side for him these days.
"It will be the Grimthorpe next over another two furlongs and then the National, all being well. The only trouble is they water quite heavily at Aintree these days and he wants good ground.
"We took him to Malton to school over some Grand National fences last year when he was a reserve and he loved it so we could do that again.
"The race has changed now. Years ago if you were exposed over fences you had little chance, but Auroras Encore and Pineau De Re have shown that isn't the case any more, you need a solid staying handicapper and that is what he is.
"The bonus with him this year to last is that he's gone up the weights so James (Reveley) can ride him. If he'd got in last year, he wouldn't have been able to do the weight."
