Last year’s runner-up at the Aintree Grand National, Oscar Time, begins his campaign to go one better at Thurles tomorrow.
The 10-year-old lost out to Ballabriggs last year but trainer Martin Lynch has his heart set on another crack at the biggest prize in National Hunt racing.
“He’s summered very well, he’s come back in, and his early training has gone very well,” said the Westmeath handler.
Owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, dad of regular jockey Sam, Oscar Time started last year’s run at Aintree in the Rock of Cashel Hurdle so the same plan is being applied this season.
“He’s more or less at the same stage of fitness as he was at this time last year when he ran in this race, which was a starting point then, as well. At the moment we have a similar plan to last year, but as we go along we’ll make it up if we have to,” said Lynch.
“The idea is to end up at Aintree and do as good as last year or maybe three four or lengths better, if we can.”
Oscar Time faces a tough task tomorrow though, as Willie Mullins’ talented Zaidpour is also in the field.
Bookies already fancy Oscar Time to go one better and he is priced at 20/1 for next April’s marathon if you getting in early.
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