Our Vic
David Pipe is considering giving John Smith’s Grand National hopefuls Our Vic and Comply Or Die one more outing before Aintree.
Our Vic claimed a second-placed finish under the steadier of 11st 12lb to Silver By Nature in the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock on Saturday to cement his superb form this season.
Somerset handler Pipe believes the 12-year-old will benefit from a turn at Cheltenham ahead of the world’s most famous steeplechase in April.
Amazing
“He’s fine and was out in the field on Sunday,” said Pipe.
“It was a great performance under top weight for a 12-year-old. Monet’s Garden put up a great performance at Ascot and Our Vic’s at Haydock was just behind It’s been amazing for the old horses, the old boys are the best boys. Our Vic will go to Cheltenham next I imagine, but I’m not sure what for at the present moment. We’ll have him in a few races there.”
Comply Or Die, who won the 2008 Grand National before coming in behind winner Mon Mome last year, has only had one run since April, at Cheltenham over hurdles in November.
And although another outing is an option, Pipe would not be concerned if the 11-year-old heads straight to Aintree.
“He may have one run before the National or he may go straight there,” added Pipe. He’s got a couple of options, not very much, but it wouldn’t be a concern if he went straight to the National.”
