Punchestown under consideration as well as National for Inothewayurthinkin as favourite backers face nervous wait

Inothewayurthinkin appears likely to run again this season but his Randox Grand National backers are set for a nervous wait, with the Ladbrokes-sponsored Punchestown Gold Cup looking a serious alternative.

Gavin Cromwell told the Racing Post on Sunday that the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner had emerged in fine form after dethroning Galopin Des Champs last Friday, and said he does not see why the seven-year-old wouldn't be seen again before the campaign draws to a close. 

Inothewayurthinkin's revised official rating is likely to be in the region of a stone higher than the 160 he was awarded when the National weights were revealed last month, making Aintree an obvious temptation for Cromwell and owner JP McManus. But the gap between the Gold Cup and the National is 22 days, whereas Cromwell would have an extra three and a half weeks to prepare Inothewayurthinkin for a potential rematch with Galopin Des Champs at Punchestown on April 30.