Grand National News: Oscar set for Aintree prep

Can Oscar Time go close in the National?

Oscar Time is likely to have one more run before having another crack at the Grand National...

Trainer Martin Lynch will choose between the three-mile Leinster National at Naas on March 10 and the Daily Mirror Chase over three and a quarter miles at Down Royal six days later.

The 12-year-old, carrying the colours of owner Robert Waley-Cohen, was second to Ballabriggs in the Aintree spectacular in 2011 but was forced to miss last April's race through injury.

He continued his build-up for a second attempt this season in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse and though he was last of six to Roi Du Mee, Lynch was satisfied with the performance.

"He's 100%. He ran nicely and jumped nicely up to the third-last then they seemed to quicken away from him, but he's come out of the race very well," said the County Westmeath handler.

"We'll probably take in another run, possibly in a three-mile handicap chase at Naas on March 10 or a three-and-a-quarter-mile conditions chase at Down Royal on the 16th.

"Hopefully that will put him spot-on for Aintree."

Oscar Time is presently available to back at 95.094/1 for the 2013 Grand National, with the Willie Mullins-trained On His Own heading the market at 10.5n/a.

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