Red Marauder ran well below expectations in Saturday's Racing Post Chase, but permit holder Norman Mason reports that he has come out of the race well and is still on course for a crack at the Martell Grand National.
The 10-year-old was never able to get in a blow in the Kempton test, finishing sixth, 47 lengths adrift of the impressive winner, Gloria Victis.
However, Mason reasoned: "Richard (Guest) said the horse felt flat going to post and never gave him the feeling that he wanted to get on with the job, it just wasn't him at all.
"The only thing I can think of is that, with hindsight, he may have needed the run.
"When we wormed our horses, we give them a couple of days off and they usually come back fit and ready, but Burnt Imp seemed to blow up today, so perhaps they are needing the run.
"I don't know yet if we will give him another outing before Aintree, where I would not want it to be firm or heavy on National day."
Micky Hammond's National entry, Luzcadou, was another to perform well below his best at the weekend, finishing last of seven in the Green's Health and Fitness Handicap Chase at Haydock.
But Hammond said today: "He has come back lame in front, so at least we have a reason for the way he ran. We won't know the extent of the injury until the vet has had a good look at him, so we are keeping our fingers crossed."
Hammond sent out Deep Water to win the Village Leisure Hurdle at the same course and he went on: "I was very pleased to see him come back with a win. He will be left in the Champion Hurdle and the County Hurdle so I will have to speak to his owner before we decide what to do."
Sue Smith's husband, Harvey, reported that The Last Fling was in good order, following his impressive win in Haydock's £100,000 De Vere Gold Cup and Cheltenham is next stop.
He made no secret of the fact that he does not agree with those who say the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup is beyond the 10-year-old, and he added, with a wry smile: "He is not improving, the others are going back!
"He is in good form and definitely goes for the big one, and he likes fast ground, you know."
