Paul Nicholls' team for Aintree looks to have been strengthened after the Ditcheat handler revealed Al Ferof is on course to run at the Crabbie's Grand National meeting.

The 10-year-old has not been seen since finishing third behind stablemate Silviniaco Conti in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Nicholls said: "Al Ferof is set to join the team we are sending to Aintree. He has entries in both the Betfred Bowl and the Melling Chase. We will just wait to see what the ground is like."

The champion trainer added: "For whatever reason, he was making a noise before Cheltenham, so we cut his epiglottis and he is now back in full work.

"It looked in the King George that he stopped then stayed on, and it could have been down to his breathing being an issue.

"There might well be a bit more improvement in him. It will more so benefit him next season."