Gray, coached by Nigel Twiston-Davis, set his sights on the Grand National with jockey Daryl Jacob Bristol de May after landing at Betfair Chase for the third time.

The nine-year-old won a strong challenge from Klan des Obuex in two lengths, while the 2019 winner, Lostin Translation, trailed a disappointing third by 45 lengths.

Bristol de Mai, who won the race in 2017 and 2018, has reserved his best for the flat and left-hand circuit in Heidoc, where his record is five wins and second from six.

After winning the Betfair Chase, Daryl Jacob set up sights at the Grand National

Jacob, who has raised hopes through a heavy rain-turning condition test, believes a similar arrangement of entries would be ideal for his mountain.

“I like a rift in the nationals,” he said. ‘His jumping is good, and he dares when you need him. He’s up nine, 10 now, so if he has a season to do this, this is it.

‘I always felt like I had enough horse to get home today. He’s amazing here. He can be expected to get the recognition he deserves. ‘

The jockey believes nine-year-old Bristol de Mai fits the same configuration as Entry