RACING: Ferdy Murphy may decide tomorrow whether Aces Four bypasses the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National to wait for a novice event at Aintree.
The eight-year-old is prominent in the betting at around 10-1 for the Fairyhouse showpiece next Monday.
However, he could go for the John Smith's Mildmay Novice Chase over an extended three miles at the Grand National meeting on Friday week instead.
He would have finished even closer than fourth behind Denman in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but for a blunder at the third-last fence.
Murphy said: "I shall work him in the morning and then sit down with Graham (Lee).
"He's well handicapped at 138 but I think at his age he'd be better off in novice company and he's potentially top class.
"He may be confirmed for the Irish National, I'm not 100% sure yet. I've got a lot of nice chasers and have not decided yet where they are going to go."
Murphy is more likely to be represented by Nine De Sivola as the trainer bids for a second Irish National triumph after Granit D'Estruval's win in 2004.
"At the moment we are leaning towards Nine De Sivola going to Fairyhouse. I don't think Kitski is going to get in," added Murphy.
Nine De Sivola had every chance when falling at the third-last in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, having previously run second to Nil Desperandum in the Eider Chase at Newcastle.
Murphy is hoping the ground does not dry out too much at Fairyhouse as Arkle Trophy fifth Another Promise is entered in the Powers Gold Cup next Sunday.
"It depends on the ground. If it was suitable he would run but obviously if it came up fast he wouldn't," said Murphy.
"I've been on to someone in Ireland who said it was due to be a dry week and it would be a worry for him if it came up fast.
"If it was good he would be all right so we are going to put him in and see what the opposition is like."