"He finished fourth in the event two years ago and that's where he really started on an upward curve. The ground was good that day and similar conditions would be ideal for him again at the weekend."
Meanwhile, all the signs point to Timmy Murphy being cast in the role of fall guy when Tony Martin appeals
against the 42-day ban for schooling in public which threatens to rule Davids Lad out of this year's National.
Placing the blame on jockeys for ignoring instructions has become a trusted method for trainers who want to keep a clean slate, and Martin gave a broad hint that he plans to follow suit. This morning he was quoted as saying: "if it had been an inexperienced jockey I would have said that he cocked up."
Murphy has since admitted that his ride "looked bad" but is emphatic that Davids Lad was sent out to do his best.
He added: "Every time I've won on him I've ridden him by hanging on to him and letting him come into the race, but on Sunday it just didn't happen.
"I was told going out to finish as close as I could but to make sure he improved for the run and I feel a bit hard done by."
Some observers felt the 2001 National winner Red Marauder was also lucky to escape a ban under the schooling in public rules after finishing fourth on his first run in almost two years in the opening race at Newcastle yesterday.
The veteran seemed to be given a very tender ride by Richard Guest, but the stewards merely noted his explanation that the veteran was hanging in the back straight and gurgled in the closing stages.
