Lodge set for Aintree tilt

Highland Lodge is being lined up for the Randox Health Topham Chase at Aintree, Jimmy Moffatt has confirmed.

The 12-year-old was pulled up on his last outing in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January and connections are now putting all of their efforts into getting him ready for a trip to Aintree.

Highland Lodge put in a good showing in the Grand National last year but he was unfortunately pulled up at the final fence, and trainer Moffatt is keen to see him back in action at the same venue next month.

Moffatt believes the Aintree fences will help Highland Lodge to step up his game and is hoping for a positive performance on April 13.

“We have had to regroup since Highland Lodge ran at Haydock,” Moffatt said.

“We are fairly certain now that he needs the Aintree fences to bring out the best in him, so the Topham Chase is the plan.

“We did not feel that he got the trip in the Grand National last year [Highland Lodge was pulled up at the final fence] and, given how well he has run in the Becher, we think the Topham will suit.

“He is a prominent racer and brilliant jumper over the fences, and those sort of horses tend to do well in the Topham.”