Alcapone boosted his Martell Cognac Grand National prospects with victory in the Cashel Fine Arts Chase at Thurles today.
Leading before the second last in the hands of Barry Geraghty, the 7-1 chance stayed on too strongly for 9-4 favourite Adamant Approach to win by two lengths. Trainer Mouse Morris is considering the Aintree showpiece on April 3rd for the 10-year-old.
He said: "It's a possibility that Alcapone could go for the Aintree National. A two-and-a-half mile horse is often the ideal type of horse for that race."
Geraghty, who had been denied victory in the opener when clear leader Eurolink Rooster fell at the last flight, added: "He half missed the last but I never thought he was going to be beaten. He picked up well on the run-in."
Another Aintree possible, Davids Lad never got in the two-and-a-quarter mile contest and finished well beaten. His trainer Tony Martin said: "He's just not sparkling at the moment. If he did come back right there is plenty of time to have him right for Aintree.
"His fitness level is fairly good at the moment but he'll have to show a bit more sparkle."