HIGHLAND Lodge's history-making Aintree bid has been given a huge boost.

The James Moffatt-trained 10-year-old heads to Aintree tomorrow aiming to become the first horse ever to win back-to-back renewals of the Betfred Becher Chase (1.35pm start).

Highland Lodge stormed to a stunning victory over the Grand National fences under jockey Henry Brooke last year – and the same man will be back in the saddle after returning to racing this week following an injury lay-off.

Brooke produced the perfect ride in Liverpool last December to emerge victorious over three miles and two furlongs and claim the biggest win of Moffatt's training career.

The Cartmel handler's bid for the £78,582 first prize this year has been given a mighty fillip by Brooke massing his medicals at the start of this week and returning to action at Catterick on Wednesday, and Moffatt feels the chances of another memorable victory have increased accordingly.

“Henry passed the specialist on Monday, he passed the doctor on Wednesday and rode at Catterick in the bumper,” said the Pit Farm Stables boss. “He's A1.

“I spoke to him and he can't wait. He was a big part of the horse's win last year, because he's such a buzzy character and you need a gut who is really positive. Henry is every bit that, to say the least.

“I'm delighted he is back and riding the horse. I think our chances have increased with Henry riding. He knows the horse well.

“He brings something to the table with his enthusiasm. I think with a horse like Highland Lodge, you need somebody who is positive to take the reins, who encourages the horse.”

Moffatt reported last month that Highland Lodge had been 'catching pigeon's in his preparations for the Aintree race, and he has continued to be impressed with the build up.

A final health check will be carried out on the horse today to ensure there are no late niggles, but the training is looking forward to seeing his mount back out on track for the first time since April's Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

“Just the fact that we're in it, gives us a chance of winning it again,” said Moffatt. “He's effectively off 5lbs higher in the weights from last year, but I don't think it's beyond his reach.

“The main thing is the horse's well-being going into races like this, and he seems very good. We've had the horse chiropractor in and he will be coming in again on Friday just to make sure that all things are right and sound with him.

“He schooled last week and he jumped very well, so he is freshening up now and we are looking forward to it. We will give it a good go.

“He did great work on Saturday and flew on Monday. You just want to get him there now and for the waiting to be over. I can't wait for the race.”

He added: “You're very aware of every step you take with them. Training horses towards any race, you have to be very careful with what you're doing every day. They are fragile things.

“When you are going for a race like the Becher, it brings it into sharp focus, making sure that things go right.

“You're glad when they get down to the start, and then there is a different type of feeling again. It's a good buzz, I love getting the horses ready for big races – that's why you're in it, to be competing on those big days.”

Moffatt will also run Morning Royalty at Aintree tomorrow, in the Betfred "Home Of Goals Galore" Handicap Hurdle (2.10pm start).

That is seen as preparation for a tilt at another race at Haydock later in the month, though the trainer said: “He's running and we hope he runs very well, but it's a precursor to him running in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock on December 17.

“He has missed a couple of engagements we wanted to get him into – there's nothing wrong with the horse, we just couldn't place him in thr right race. We want to get a race into him.”