Loch Ba could fly the flag for Mick Channon’s West Ilsley stables in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday.

The eight-year-old is among 18 entries for the £75,000 Grade 3 handicap chase over three miles and five furlongs.

Conditions are bound to be testing at the Lancashire venue, but that should hold no fears for Loch Ba, who is proven in heavy ground.

On his last start, the gelding stayed on to be fourth to Shotgun Paddy in the Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick after making a mid-race blunder.

A best-priced 16-1 shot for Saturday’s race, Loch Ba’s rivals could include former Welsh National hero Monbeg Dude, part-owned by ex-England rugby captain Mike Tindall, last year’s winner, Well Refreshed, and this season’s Welsh National runner-up, Hawkes Point.

Channon’s charge isn’t entered in the Crabbie’s Grand National, but a bold show could see connections aim him at a race such as the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday, April 12.

Abi Scarlet added to her impressive record at Southwell for East Ilsley owner-trainer Hughie Morrison by posting her fifth course and distance win.

The five-year-old mare finished powerfully to take a six-furlong handicap by two and a quarter lengths from Pearl Nation under Ryan Powell last Tuesday.

Stepped up to seven furlongs for a handicap back at the Nottinghamshire venue on Sunday, Abi Scarlet didn’t prove so effective as she had to settle for third behind The Great Gabrial, beaten six and a half lengths.