Connections of Hold On Julio will be left with a big decision in the upcoming months with regards to the participation of their horse in the Grand National in April.
The nine-year old is unbeaten so far in his three chase appearances and looks to have all the qualities required for the big race at Aintree. People looking at the best ante-post Grand National odds will be wondering if he will get the nod.
Hold On Julio started his career over hurdles but disappointed in his first two outings, failing to get home in both appearances at Kelso and Ayr.
However, the switch to chasing worked immediately as he won on his debut at Kelso by 28 lengths in a hunters' chas.
The gelding then switched yards from Vicky Simpson to Alan King and on his first run for the Wiltshire-based trainer, he went on to justify favouritism at Sandown, winning the three mile handicap chase by 11 lengths.
Hold On Julio then returned to Sandown a month later in a quality field which included Neptune Collonges, Master Of The Hall and Any Currency to extend his winning run to three in the HBLB Handicap Chase on January 7.
If connections do decide to run Hold On Julio in the Grand National in April, King is likely to have at least two runners in the race as he bids to win the 4m4f contest at Aintree for the first time.
West End Rocker looks certain to go to Merseyside after winning the Becher Handicap Chase at the same track back in December. The nine-year-old finished 22 lengths ahead of Niche Market in second place over the trip of 3m2f for the Listed Race.