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Despite an ominously wet forecast for Liverpool in the first half of the week, 33 of the top 34 runners stood their ground at the five-day entry stage for Saturday’s Grand National.
Only four horses, three of which who were not guaranteed a run, have been withdrawn from the marathon contest – Fury Road, Empire Steel, Fantastic Lady and Angels Dawn. Last year's winner Corach Rambler heads the market at 7/2 with Paddy Power, whilst Irish Grand National hero I Am Maximus and 2023 National runner-up Vanillier remain supported in the betting at 7/1 and 9/1 respectively.
Elsewhere on Saturday's card, Stayers' Hurdle hero Teahupoo tops the twenty entries for the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle, where he could face stablemate Irish Point and Gavin Cromwell's Flooring Porter. Trainer Fergal O'Brien could be represented by Long Walk Hurdle victor Crambo, who disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival in a difficult week for the yard.
The second and third-placed horses from the Grade 1 Gallagher Novices' Hurdle, the Willie Mullins-trained Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique, are set to reoppose in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices Hurdle, but should face a strong defence from the UK-trained runners with Caldwell Potter anticipated to make his UK debut for new connections.
In the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase, Found A Fifty represents the best of the Cheltenham Festival form, having finished runner-up behind Gaelic Warrior in the Arkle Trophy. He will face fifteen opponents, including Il Etait Temps, Quilixios and JPR One.
