Bobby Grant, trained at Brandsby by Peter Beaumont, bids to advertise his Grand National claims in the big race at Haydock tomorrow.

Russ Garritty's mount goes for the £110,000 Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Handicap Chase, run over three-and-a-half miles, and a traditional trial for the National at Aintree on the first Saturday in April.

Bobby Grant, who got bogged down in the mud at Uttoxeter on his latest outing, has won a trio of three-mile races at Haydock and was runner-up to course specialist Kingsmark in December.

Bobby Grant has plenty on his plate tomorrow against the likes of Southern Star and last year's Grand National winner Bindaree, but I fancy him to make a bold bid and bolster his Aintree chances.

At Doncaster, the £35,000 Sainsbury's Red Nose Grimthorpe Handicap Chase is the day's feature race and Whitenzo should not be overlooked.

Although below-par on his latest start, Paul Nicholls' classy performer had previously run high-class races in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Although his jumping sometimes gives cause for concern, there is no doubting his natural ability.

Europa is napped to land the Auckley Handicap Chase for Hazlewood trainer Tom Tate, who has opted to wait for this event instead of taking in an alternative (shorter) race at Newbury today.

The hint is worth heeding. Tomorrow's step up to two miles and three furlongs will suit previous course winner Europa, successful in two of his three races this term, down to the ground.

Springfield Scally, as game as they come, will benefit from the handling of Timmy Murphy in the Tote Scoop6 Handicap Hurdle, while Murphy can also win on Fireball McNamara, successful here last month, in the Bawtry Novices' Chase.

At Newbury, watch out for a rare Tim Easterby jumping raider in the shape of Edmo Heights.

Winner of his last three starts, the in-form seven-year-old goes for the £20,000 Freephone Betting From Sky Bet Handicap Hurdle. David O'Meara will do his bit to ensure that Edmo Heights makes it four straight wins.

Saturday's tips:

Doncaster

1.35 Balladeer, 2.05 Europa (Nap), 2.40 Whitenzo, 3.15 Springfield Scally, 3.45 Fireball McNamara, 4.15 Property Zone, 4.50 Music To My Ears.

Haydock

1.10 Tees Components, 1.40 Goguenard, 2.10 Bobby Grant, 2.45 Far Pavillions, 3.20 Gralmano, 3.50 Existential, 4.20 Vodka Bleu.

Newbury

1.50 Claymore, 2.25 Red Guard, 3.00 Edmo Heights, 3.35 Clan Royal, 4.05 Brewster, 4.35 Fast Mix, 5.10 Moscow Fields.

- Tomorrow's other meetings are at Kelso, Lingfield and Wolverhampton.

Updated: 12:17 Friday, February 28, 2003