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Grand National Field Set and Raring to Go05/04/13 6f3si

On His Own is the 7/1 favourite with Betfred – Aintree’s official betting partner – after a maximum field of 40 was declared for Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National.

On His Own
Caroline Norris

Last year’s fourth Cappa Bleu is a 12/1 shot and Betfred make it 14/1 bar that quartet.

“Tony McCoy left it late but his decision to ride Colbert Station is what punters have been waiting for,” said Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths.

“We’ve already taken evasive action and cut him to 10/1, but we’re braced for a stampede, and he could well go off a single-figure price.”

Cristal Bonus
Racehorse Photos

The 39-year-old was unseated from Mae’s Choice at the first fence in the Grade Three John & Chich Fowler Memorial Mares Chase and suffered a chest injury which put his participation in Saturday’s race in doubt.

Carberry, who won the 1999 John Smith’s Grand National on Bobbyjo, was forced to miss his intended rides at Downpatrick yesterday and will also sit out today's John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle.

“We were a bit worried after his fall on Tuesday but he’s just a little stiff now,” said O’Toole. “He should be fine for Saturday.”

The final piece of the jockey jigsaw for Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National has been put in place following the news that Paul Townend will partner Quel Esprit for Willie Mullins.

Townend, whose best placing in a John Smith’s Grand National came in 2009 when he was 11^th on Irish Invader, rode current favourite On His Own in last year’s race following an injury to Ruby Walsh. The pair fell at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit (22^nd fence).

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