Backstage begins his public preparation for a crack at the John Smith's Grand National with an outing over hurdles at Musselburgh on Sunday.
It will be his first race since August and trainer Gordon Elliott warns that the eight-year-old will need the exercise in the Scottish Racing Novices' Hurdle.
The County Meath handler said: "He's in good form, it's his first run of the season and it's a stepping-stone towards the Grand National."
Elliott went on: "It's over hurdles, he'll come on a ton for it. If he runs a respectable race and is placed, we'll be delighted. He'll then have a run over fences in Ireland in four or five weeks' time, then on to the National."
Backstage, who got round at his first try at the National fences when eighth in the Fox Hunters' Chase last spring, is a best-priced 25-1 for the Aintree marathon on April 10.
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