CHIPPING Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon’s ambitious plans to send Sharp Rise for a crack at the American Grand National next month remain on track after his rising star recorded a smooth success at Stratford on Saturday.

Dispelling the trainer’s fears that dropping back to two miles may find him out, the nine-year-old added to his three wins over fences since arriving at Hull Farm Stables in May by making all the running in a handicap hurdle under Richard Johnson to romp home by ten lengths from May Hay.

Now Longsdon is eyeing sending Sharp Rise across the Atlantic to contest the big American prize at Far Hills, New Jersey, on October 15.

He said: “It will be quite an adventure and a lot of organisation has to be done from this end, but he deserves a shot at a big race and the $350,000 race looks a fantastic opportunity for him.”

The victory put Longsdon second in the jump trainers’ championship with £184,727 – behind only David Pipe – while in Sharp Rise and Drop Out Joe he has the top two prize-money winning horses.

Longsdon and Johnson teamed up again on Sunday to strike with Argot, who recorded his first victory over fences with a facile 41-lengths triumph in a handicap chase over two miles and five furlongs at Fontwell.

Meanwhile, the trainer has announced that he will not be holding his popular public open morning this year as he has been unable to find a suitable date.

However, he pledged to make sure the event returns in 2017.