Imperial Saint can rule again on Aintree return

IMPERIAL Saint can secure victory in the William Hill Old Roan Limited Chase (GBB Race) (2.55pm) at Aintree Racecourse tomorrow - while on the Flat today at Doncaster Aidan O'Brien's Benvenuto Cellini can win the Futurity Trophy Stakes (No Geldings) (2.05pm).

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As racing returns to the home of the Randox Grand National tomorrow, Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's seven-year-old can win again at Aintree in the Grade Two feature.

Imperial Saint thrived at the famous Liverpool track last season, winning three of his four starts at Aintree, including when scoring at this meeting 12 months ago.

He rose 20lb in the handicap throughout a profitable campaign, which saw him eventually finish second to dual winner Cruz Control in the William Hill Handicap Chase over 3mlf on his final start at the Grand National meeting in April.

That trip - while within his compass - probably stretched Imperial Saint a little and back down to the 2m4f trip over which he landed his third victory at Aintree on Boxing Day last year, he looks sure to go well, despite stepping up to Grade Two company for the first time.

He has won on his first start of the past two seasons and he can score again ahead of chiefly last year's Old Roan Chase hero Minella Drama - from Merseysideborn Donald McCain's Cheshire stable; and Paul Nicholls' Hitman, who was also second 12 months ago.

Another from the Hobbs and White stable, the lightly-raced Kikijo, has won over fences and can score again returned to the smaller obstacles on his seasonal return in the opener at Aintree, the Butterworth Spengler Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (12.40pm).

Dan Skelton's Ace Of Spades can win the Bet At Racingtv.com Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (3.30pm).

The six-year-old won twice over hurdles last season at Cheltenham and Kelso and was last seen when a narrow runner-up to Billy Boi Blue at Ayr in April. He can resume his progress and make a winning return in the 2m4f contest.