Confidence is building in Nina Carberry hope

“I think he’s become the forgotten horse in the race. There are a number of horses much shorter than him in the betting that were 300 yards behind him 12 months ago. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if he went there and ran a big race again.”

O’Regan booked to ride Al Co

Peter Bowen has booked Denis O’Regan to ride last year’s Scottish Grand National winner Al Co, after his intended jockey Jamie Moore suffered a broken leg at Towcester last week.

O’Regan’s agent, Sam Stronge, said: “It’s unfortunate that Jamie Moore got hurt but this is a great spare ride to pick up and Denis is very much looking forward to it.

“Peter Bowen’s horses are in good form which counts for a lot going into a race like this.

“With Al Co winning the Scottish National last season you know that the horse stays well so it is an exciting ride for Denis.”

Other recent jockey bookings include David Casey replacing Wilson Renwick on Corrin Wood, Paul Townend on Bob Ford and Brendan Powell replacing Will Kennedy on Royale Knight, Kennedy already retained for Super Duty.

Coleman – “Druids one of the best rides you could pick up”

Aidan Coleman believes The Druids Nephew is one of the best rides he could possibly have picked up in Saturday’s Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree.

With the Cheltenham Festival winner’s usual partner Barry Geraghty injured, trainer Neil Mulholland was on the lookout for a suitable jockey and went for Coleman.

While Coleman has won over the unique fences before, his record in the National itself is instantly forgettable and he famously dismissed 100-1 winner Mon Mome in 2009 in favour of his stablemate Stan.

“It is definitely one of the best rides to pick up. Phil Smith, the chief handicapper, says he is the best handicapped horse in the race,” Coleman told media.

“The race should suit this horse. He seems quite hardy. He handled the hustle and bustle of the Cheltenham Festival and came out a very nice winner.

“That should stand him in good stead as far as the Aintree experience goes.”

Greatrex – “Dolatulo has been overlooked”

Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex believes one of his Grand National runners Dolatulo has been overlooked in the betting. Greatrex who is fresh from his first Cheltenham Festival win after Cole Harden saddles him and the veteran 13 year old Tranquil Sea who will be ridden by Gavin Sheehan.

“I suppose he’s not one of the sexy horses,” Greatrex said.

“But I know that Phil Smith, the handicapper, thinks he has a great chance and he’s going there in the form of his life.

“He’s a quirky type, one reason I haven’t run him over fences since he won at Wetherby over Christmas. Dougie Costello rode him that day and keeps the mount.

“I remember being captivated by Aldaniti’s National, when I was only six. My Dad has kept videos of the race every year since then and I’ve often watched them through, one after the other. To have two runners feels pretty special.”