Bobbyjo is beaten but stays on National trail

Bobbyjo IS still among the favourites for the Grand National despite finishing only fifth over hurdles in his final preparatory race at Leopardstown yesterday. However, he has been overtaken at the top of the betting by the Henry Daly-trained Star Traveller, who finished third in Marlborough's race at Cheltenham last week.

Bobbyjo's trainer, Tommy Carberry, said: "He should be tuned up now for Aintree, as he was 90 per cent ready. A racecourse spin is all we need now."

Bobbyjo was close up until he was unable to quicken from the second-last flight in the hands of Philip Carberry, the younger brother of his regular rider, Paul. "Philip got a good blow into the horse," Carberry snr added. "We're looking forward to Liverpool and I expect Paul to be back fully fit long before then."

The Grey Monk looks certain to miss the big race on 8 April. Nicky Richards's 12-year-old has been sore since falling at Kelso earlier this month.

GRAND NATIONAL (Aintree, 8 April): William Hill: 10-1 Star Traveller, 14-1 Bobbyjo, Young Kenny, 16-1 Edmond, 20-1 Bettys Boy, Micko's Dream, The Last Fling, 25-1 Red Marauder, 33-1 others; Ladbrokes: 10-1 Star Traveller, 12-1 Bobbyjo, 16-1 Bettys Boy, Edmond, Young Kenny, 20-1 Djeddah, Micko's Dream, Red Marauder, The Last Fling, 33-1 others.