Grand National Confirms Silver By Nature

The intended target for Silver By Nature has been confirmed John Smiths for Grand National.

"Silver By Nature has been given the go ahead to run in the John Smith's Grand National," Scudamore wrote in the Daily Mail.

"Geoff, who told me he and his wife had agreed to disagree about the decision, has always insisted he would not run his grey in the National unless he felt the horse had a genuine chance.

"I have been involved with two Grand National winners, Bindaree and Earth Summit, during my time working with Nigel Twiston-Davies and I've no doubt that Silver By Nature, runner-up in the 2009 Welsh National, could match them both for class."

Russell wishes for Haydock repeat

In Saturday's totesport.com Grand National Trial at Haydock,Silver By Nature will look back-to-back victories ahead of a possible challenge for the big race itself.

In the Welsh National,Lucinda Russell's finishing second and taking this event when it was known as the Blue Square Gold Cup.

When being prepared for the Scottish National,Silver By Nature faces an injury and has raced twice this season with a 10th in the Hennessy at Newbury and a seventh back at the Welsh National.

He was allocated 10st 12lb at the unveiling of the Aintree weights on Monday and the Kinross-based handler said: "Silver By Nature has not been quite right this season and we had a lot of hassle with the snow but he still ran quite a good race in the Welsh National."