Arkle Trophy runner-up Somersby could bid to end the season on a high in the totepool Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree on Thursday, April 8.

The six-year-old, from Henrietta Knight’s West Lockinge stables, near Wantage, put up a terrific effort to go down by three-quarters of a length to Sizing Europe at Cheltenham.

Knight said in the immediate aftermath that her charge could head off for his summer break, but has now had a change of heart.

“He’s come out of Cheltenham very well and we’ve decided to enter him for Liverpool in the two-and-a-half-mile novice chase,” she said.

Knight could also take Calgary Bay to Aintree following his fine sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“He did run a very good race, but it was just too far for him and I think three miles on a flat track would suit him ideally,” she said.

“He might go to Aintree and the options are either a handicap or the totesport Bowl over three miles and a furlong.

“Three miles and a furlong round Aintree is a bit different to Cheltenham, although we probably would not want to be taking on Imperial Commander again on a track that would suit him.”

SCAMPI Boy, from Paul Webber’s Mollington stables, near Banbury, opened his account over hurdles under Faringdon-based jockey William Kennedy at Warwick on Wednesday.