Saturday's Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster (due off 3.30pm) promises to be a highly informative Grand National trial, with Cloudy Lane and Mr Pointment, the first two in the betting at a best-priced 10/1 (Boylesports, Stan James) and 14/1 (Sportingbet, William Hill) respectively, set to clash in what will be their last outings before the big race on April 5th.

Donald McCain, who has a big act to follow at Aintree - his father Ginger won the race four times - has confirmed the Grimthorpe as Cloudy Lane’s target, although he also has entry in the Connaught Gold Cup as "just a bit of insurance". Paul Nicholls, whose run of success in the big races on Saturday continues unabated, has no qualms about taking on Cloudy Lane with Mr Pointment, who was a game winner of the Becher Chase over the big fences last November. They should both go well on Saturday but, even with watering, the ground may be on the fast side (currently good to firm, good in places) and that wouldn’t be ideal for either.

Ungaro, who came to grief at the second fence in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton last weekend, could make a quick bid for compensation. His trainer Keith Reveley reports him none the worse for his fall and, considering he ran well here when narrowly beaten by An Accordion in January, he should give a good account. However, connections reckon he’s better going right-handed and Reveley has another entry in Brave Rebellion, an improving type who might be capable of causing an upset off his low weight.

Racing from 9lb out of the handicap (7lb if top weight Ollie Magern bypasses the race) isn’t ideal, but with the principals having other targets this spring, this race might not take much winning. In any case, the handicapper might have underrated him on a mark of just 122 as he has looked most impressive over fences this season. On his penultimate start at Catterick, he gave former smart hurdler No Refuge a real scrap, only losing out by the narrowest of margins, and went one better in fine style next time out at Kelso. He won’t mind the ground either as all four of his novice wins last season were on fast ground.

Should he take his chance, he’s a sporting pick to beat Cloudy Lane and Mr Pointment, in that order.

Recommended Bet:

Brave Rebellion 1pt each way @ best morning-line price*

*bet365 and Stan James offer a best odds guarantee