Across The Bay the main Grand National hope for McCain

Across The Bay looks to hold the best chance of enhancing the amazing Grand National record of the McCain family in this year’s Crabbie’s sponsored renewal.

The 10-year-old is one of two remaining Donald McCain entries in the big race on Saturday, April 5, as he attempts to win the race for the second time.

The Cheshire-based handler triumphed with Ballabriggs in 2011, to make it five wins for the family in the world’s greatest steeplechase.

His late father, Ginger, became known as “Mr Grand National” following his amazing training exploits to win the contest three times in the 70s with the legendary Red Rum and also saddled Amberleigh House to score in 2004.

Across The Bay now looks to have a live outside chance of making it win number six for the family after being given 10st 11lb in this year’s contest, 2lb less than he carried when 14th of 40 to Auroras Encore in last year’s running.

Since then he has again showed his aptitude for the unique fences with a solid 8th of 22 to Chance Du Roy in this season’s running of the Becher Chase before winning in good style at Haydock on his penultimate start.

He then unseated last time out in the Grand National Trial at Haydock, but is normally a sound jumper who can be relied upon to give it his best shot.

His experience over the unique Aintree fences is certainly a big plus, as is his age as five 10-year-olds have won the race in the last 11 runnings.

Across The Bay is a 40/1 chance with Coral for the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National.

McCain’s other entry, Kruzhlinin is due to carry 10st 6lb in the 4m 4f contest and is also a 40/1 chance with Coral.