135nu

Neptune Collonges, one of 10 entries by champion trainer Paul Nicholls, head the weights with 11st 10lb, while ante-post favourite Ballabriggs is set to carry 11st.

Ballabriggs carries 11st
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The last-named, trainer by Donald McCain, son of Ginger who sent Synchronised (11st 6lb), who McCoy steered to glory in the Welsh equivalent of this race at Chepstow in November, entered for Aintree. Blue Square have opened a book on which one McCoy will ride; they go 4-7 that he will stay faithful to Don’t Push It, 2-1 that he will partner Synchronised, while it’s 7-1 that he will be aboard an alternative McManus-owned winner.

Niche Market
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Niche Market was pulled up in this race last year, but was clearly way below his best. The Presenting gelding looked for all the world as though he was coming right back to his best when fifth of 18 to Diamond Harry when sent off at 40-1 for the Hennessy at Newbury in November, and will be able to race off a 7lb lower mark in the National.

Nicholls has indicated that Niche Market will have a prep race in a 2m 4f handicap at Newbury on March 5. That trip is inadequate for the selection, so anything he achieves there will be a bonus, and I’m expecting him to run a big race at Aintree, as he jumps for fun, stays all day and if, as expected, the surface is sound in Liverpool on April 9, that will be ideal.