Character building up to National challenge

In the build up to last year's John Smith's Grand National John Quinn's Character Building was being talked of as a potential winner and had been the subject of strong ante-post support. Sadly, a heel injury discovered only five days prior to the big race, ruled the grey out of action and left connections devastated at missing out on what looked a golden opportunity, writes Elliot Slater.

Character Building had jumped to prominence in last year's Grand National betting after battling to victory at the Cheltenham Festival when outstaying his rivals to land the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase. That effort followed a series of good runs in major handicaps that began when the Malton-based gelding ran a corker to be third to Denman in the 2007 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Following an 11 month absence and clearly looking in need of the outing, Character Building reappeared over hurdles at Doncaster in early February, but not surprisingly found the two-and-a-half mile trip and lack of race fitness too much for him and finished well down the field.

Now, following the publications of the 2010 Grand National weights for which Character Building has been allotted an appealing 10st 11lb burden, and judging by recent comments made by his handler, hopes are high that if he stays sound he will arrive at Aintree in peak condition and ready to give a very good account of himself.

A possible outing in Kempton's Racing Post Chase could be next on the agenda for the 10-year-old who, if back to his best, could run a good race. All eyes though are trained on a crack at the Grand National and Character Building (currently available at 33/1) certainly has as good a chance as many of the leading contenders to make his presence felt at the finish. 

Elsewhere, Cheltenham odds are worth checking out this week ahead of the big festival next month. Denman betting odds in particular are one to keep an eye on as he goes into battle with Kauto Star.