Morris hoping for more Aintree success
Morris won the National last year with Rule The World and has nominated a trio of runners to attempt to follow in his footsteps this year
THE Randox Health Grand National might be five months away, but trainer Mouse Morris is already plotting a route back to Aintree in the spring.
Morris won the great race last season with Rule The World and has earmarked three potential candidates he believes will be suited by the unique demands of the National.
Rogue Angel will gain first-hand experience of the imposing Merseyside birch when he runs in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase on Saturday.
Thunder And Roses, the 2015 Irish Grand National winner, was pulled up in the Becher last year, but Morris is keen for him to return to Aintree in April.
Both horses are owned by Gigginstown House Stud, in whose colours Rule The World carried to glory last season.
Morris said: "Rogue Angel is in really good form and he'll run in Liverpool and we'll see what happens after that.
"The plan is to have one or two more runs before the Grand National to keep him fresh.
"Thunder And Roses is also well, and the plan is to run him at Fairyhouse (Porterstown Handicap) this weekend."
The County Tipperary handler's other potential National hope at this early stage is Dromnea, who finished down the field in the Topham at Aintree in April.
Morris said: "He was fourth at Clonmel (Clonmel Oil Chase) earlier in the month and might run next in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas."