Al taking National path26th January 2013
Donald McCain feels today's Argento Chase at Cheltenham is an ideal stepping-stone towards Aintree for Weird Al.
The 10-year-old fell in the Grand National last season and was well beaten in the Betfair Chase on his only subsequent appearance,
"I know this is a traditional Gold Cup trial, but we've resisted the temptation to stick him in the Gold Cup this year. We've been training him solely with the aim of the Grand National this year and the idea is to run here and then head to Aintree fresh, as we know that's when he is at his best," said McCain.