MEDERMIT is likely to kick off his campaign in the Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 27.

Alan King's eight-year-old won the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on his first start last season and went on to run a number of good races in defeat, including when a close third in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Barbury Castle trainer King is looking forward to testing the grey over three miles this season, but he is likely to start off over two and a half miles on Merseyside.

King said: "The Old Roan Chase is a race we are looking at for Medermit.

He has been in good order and the race looks like a nice starting point for him.

"I do want to go further with him this year, but I thought two and a half miles to start would be ideal and he has run well around Aintree in the past.

"He had a grand season last season and his handicap mark went up every time he ran. We only won the one race but he was always there or thereabouts.

"I don't know if he can improve any more but hopefully he can maintain where he is and we will just have to see.

"We definitely want to go the three-mile route with him this season and I would say, all things being equal after Aintree, we will step him up in trip.

"We would be looking at races like the Betfair Chase and the King George."

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