Grand National Betting: Jefferson waits on Pete National weight

News / Timeform / 23 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

According to Pete could run in the Grand National.

"I hope he'd get somewhere in the region of 10st 7lb but if he got anything over 11st, I'd say he'd be a doubtful runner..."

According To Pete is unlikely to run in the Grand National if he is allotted over 11st when the weights are revealed...

Trainer Malcolm Jefferson is delighted his 11-year-old, rated 148 by Timeform, has bounced back to form this season, winning the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day before adding the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

The Grand National, for which he can currently be backed at [85.0], is his aim but Jefferson has an ideal weight in mind and, if handicapper Phil Smith gives him too heavy a burden, According To Pete would be a doubtful runner.

"He's come out of the race OK and it's great to see him come back as he has this year," said Jefferson.

"We never run our horses 20 times a season and that is why at his age he is still able to run like he is.

"The handicapper can't put him up too much for Saturday, only a handful finished so you can't say it took much winning.

"I think he'd be the ideal type for Aintree because he's very nimble at his fences, he doesn't jump too big.

"I hope he'd get somewhere in the region of 10st 7lb but if he got anything over 11st, I'd say he'd be a doubtful runner.

"I'd love to run him in it as I think he'd run well, but obviously you need everything to go right."