TRAINER Noel Wilson has targeted a future appearance in the Scottish Grand National for Arctic Ghost following an impressive victory at Wetherby.

The York-based handler is confident about the seven-year-old's credentials after watching his giant dominate the Christa Ackroyd Launches Yorkshire's Ladies' Days 2007 Novices' Chase.

The grey, who checks in at more than 17 hands high, was was the 2-1 favourite and was always at the head of affairs in the two-mile four furlong encounter.

As a spectacle, the race finished as soon as his only serious rival, Duke Orsino, hit the fourth last fence.

As a result, Arctic Ghost - piloted by Wilson Renwick - cruised to a four-length success.

Now Wilson, who recently moved to new stables at Flaxton, believes he could be a contender at Ayr in time. "That's the first time he has had anything in his favour," he said.

"He's a good-ground horse and these big fences and a galloping track really helped. I've always thought the world of him and in time he could be a Scottish Grand National horse.

"He's 17.2 hands high and Wilson said he hasn't done a stroke in front."

The Wetherby win was the third in nine starts for Arctic Ghost, whose other triumphs have come at Sedgefield, last month, and Uttoxeter 11 months ago.

The horse, half-brother to Irish bumper winner Bit Of A Gift, also boasts a second and two third-placed finishes in what is becoming an impressive resumé.

Meanwhile, it was family affair for the Easterby's in the Cadale Lady Riders' Handicap Hurdle.

Jacqueline Coward, Sheriff Hutton trainer Mick Easterby's grand-daughter, had a day to remember after she steered 6-1 shot Sea Cadet to a two-and-a-half length victory.

Sea Cadet, trained by Malton-based Tim Easterby, joined the leaders midway and led from three out.

Away from Wetherby, York favourite Sergeant Cecil will kick off his Flat campaign at Newbury on April 21.

The eight-year-old Doncaster Cup winner last year, and Ebor winner in 2005, will return to action in the Group Three Dubai Tennis Championships Stakes.

Sergeant Cecil has struck three times and finished second in his four York outings. Trainer Rod Millman said: "He's had a lovely winter and I'm really pleased with him. If anything, he's come back bigger and stronger than he ever has before.

"If we do half as well as last year, we will be very pleased."