Grand National winner Auroras Encore starts on the road back to Aintree in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day.
Trainer Sue Smith fears the ground will be too soft for the 11-year-old, who became the first Yorkshire-based horse to win the world’s greatest steeplechase since 1960 when springing a 66-1 surprise.
However, Auroras Encore is likely to take his chance as the race fits well as a starting point for another crack at the National.
“I think the gods are conspiring against us (with the weather). The little horse is in good form. He probably will run, we have to make a start somewhere. It’s one of those things,” said the Bingley handler.
Smith feels testing conditions will suit her other runner, Cloudy Too. The seven-year-old made a winning reappearance at Carlisle and was not disgraced when unplaced in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.
“He should love it. He copes with the ground and he’s won around Wetherby before,” said Smith.
“He’s got into jumping very well and we’ve got young Jonathan England back on him. We’ve hopeful of a good run from him.
“He ran very well for a long way in the Hennessy. In all fairness we were very pleased with him. He’s only a second-season horse over fences and I thought he put up pretty good performance really.”
