Trainer Malcom Jefferson hopes below 11 weight for According To Pete
With the weights for John Smith’s Grand National, 2012, due to be announced on February 14, According To Pete’s trainer, Malcolm Jefferson, hopes that his gelding will get less than 11st on the basis of his last couple of wins.
The grand contest of Grand National Chase is scheduled to be held on April 14. The Grade 3 race will be run over a distance of 4 miles and 4 furlongs at Aintree racetrack with 82 runners to participate in the race.
With hundred percent success ratio, According To Pete, seems to be in a favourable position to win the high-profile event this time.
After winning Betfair Don’t Settle For Less Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase on December 26, 2011, the black gelding marvellously notched up the title of Peter Marsh Chase on January 21, 2012.
These two recent triumphs have perked up the dashing runner’s morale immensely. Jefferson is quite confident that, According To Pete, will gear up nicely during the April’s contest, claiming that he is packed with form.
The trainer wants the gelding to go for the Grand National straight, instead of participating in any low-degree event during the intervening time, as he is keen to keep his trainee’s winning streak intact.
While speaking to the media yesterday, the North Yorkshire-based trainer said, “According To Pete is in great form at the moment. We are just waiting to see what weight he receives on Tuesday before committing him, but the Grand National is very high
on his agenda because I think that the race will suit him.”
He added, “You would be hopeful that he will be allotted less than 11st, but it's very hard to tell what mark you will get. We might give him one more start beforehand in the Premier Chase at Kelso. He's won on all types of ground and he goes on anything
and everything.”
The 11-year-old gelding started his career on October 26, 2005. So far, he has won all of his 11 races. His total earnings are £207,800.
According To Pete’s excellent victory record makes him a hot favourite for the Grand National. However, he will have to face tough battles from his potential competitors, in search for victory.
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