AMBERLEIGH House's preparation in the bid to become only the third 13-year-old horse in history to win the Grand National is set to continue this weekend.

Doncaster's Grimthorpe Handicap Chase is the prep race chosen by Cholmondeley trainer Ginger McCain who remained most upbeat about his charge's chances of a repeat victory at Aintree following a successful racecourse gallop last week.

He's probably one to watch on Saturday because, as Ginger points out, 'we don't want to be there too early'.

After all, Aintree, on April 9, is the target.

There are three chances for National Hunt fans to catch some jump racing at the Bangor-on-Dee course before the Grand National. They are on Wednesday, March 9, Saturday, March 19, and Saturday, April 2.

As well as the commentator-challenging Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgo-gerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Handicap Hurdle, there are six other races on March 9.

Amateur jockeys get a chance to show their riding skills in the concluding Hugh Peel Challenge Trophy Hunters' Steeplechase.

Next meeting at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Wednesday, March 9, when the first race is due off at 2.10pm. Admission to the Course Enclosure is £7, while the Paddock Enclosure is £14. Accompanied children enter free. More information is available on the website www.Bangor OnDeeRaces.co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.