Aintree

This trip is probably shorter than ideal for MR VANGO (nap) but there is plenty of rain in the forecast and strength in stamina can see this progressive 9yo register his fourth win in a row, assuming that he is not put off his stride by these fences. Gaboriot has been placed over them in the last two editions of the Grand Sefton and should not have a problem with this longer trip, but last season's Welsh National hero Val Dancer, who seemed badly in need of his reappearance race five weeks ago, may emerge as the chief danger. Galia Des Liteaux is too well handicapped to be ignored, while veteran Roi Mage makes each-way appeal and Bioluminescence retains potential.[Richard Austen]