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.

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 on Saturday under Richard Johnson to romp home by ten lengths.

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 24 hours later 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 he won’t 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.

Dutch Law took another step up the ladder for East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison by swooping late to land the valuable Albert Bartlett Handicap at Ascot.

The improving four-year-old added to a brace of wins at Newmarket by powering down the outside in the seven-furlong handicap under apprentice Charlie Bennett to capture the £49,800 first prize by half a length from Firmament for owner Raymond Tooth.

Wantage trainer Henry Candy was left to rue his luck with the ground at Haydock as persistent rain led him to withdraw hot favourite Limato from the 32Red Sprint Cup.

While conditions turned against Candy’s star four-year-old, they proved perfect for Motdaw, from Mick Channon’s West Ilsley stables.

The three-year-old relished the easy surface to give French jockey Alexis Badel a winner on his first ride in Great Britain with a game half-length success in the opening fillies’ handicap over an extended mile and a quarter.