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1712: That's a great way for me to sign off for the day although there is, of course, one more race to come with the Grade 2 Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race due off at 535.

That race is not without its story lines as the favourite, Mister Meggit, is owned by Hemmings Racing whose silks have enjoyed many a famous victory at Aintree, including Hedgehunter who won the Grand National for a certain Willie Mullins.

Given his connections, it would be no great surprise if this race had always been the plan for Jonjo O'Neill's exciting prospect but, as ever in bumpers, there are plenty of unexposed rivals in the field who could give the short-priced favourite plenty to think about.

We'll find out one way or another in half an hour's time but that's all from me today. Thank you for reading and be lucky.

1654: The brollies are up at Aintree which looks rather cold and wet, Hislop has donned a beanie and the runners are in the paddock for the penultimate race of the Randox Grand National Festival.

The free-going pair of Nickle Back and Matata have gone to post early and the remainder are on their way to join them. Victory for Nickle Back would be wonderful for his small yard of Sarah Humphrey but he seemed so well suited by the two and a half mile trip at Sandown last time. It's almost time for the final Grade 1 of the meeting.

The favourite continues to harden and is into 11/8.

Found A Fifty (11/8 favourite) wins.

But it was not straightforward as he was made to work really, really hard by Master Chewy who has run a terrific race in defeat.

There was a little drama at the start when Matata lunged to his right and caused some scrimmaging but everything was quite uneventful after that with Found A Fifty cruising into contention. However, Master Chewy and kept finding in the straight, he went in front - by maybe half a length - and it took Found A Fifty a long time to master his rival, only getting back in front on the line itself.

A cracking race.

1633: Talking of Gaelic Warrior, Found A Fifty could give his form a boost in the upcoming Maghull Novices' Chase.

Yes, that's right, that's more graded race action to come from Aintree with this Grade 1 two mile novice chase and the bumper; both of which contain short-priced favourites.

I couldn't see beyond Found A Fifty and I don't think there's much wrong with 6/4 for all that he has been longer.

Hercule De Seuil is obviously interesting given his connections but I think he's been well placed and the remainder, while admirable, aren't in the same class as the favourite if, that is, he runs to his best. Matata should ensure this is run at a decent clip which will suit Found A Fifty who has run over two and a half miles.

That was in the Grade 1 Drinmore in December and he could only finish second, beaten two and a half lengths. The winner you ask?

Well, he went by the name of I Am Maximus. You may have heard of him.

1613: I Am Maximus spreadeagled them after The Elbow, returning as the 7/1 joint-favourite to justify the weight of support for lasd season's Irish Grand National winner.

Remarkably he was still eligible to run in novice races at the start of the season, winning one before running in open company in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup, both won by Galopin Des Champs.

The big Irish yards again dominated the finish with Mullins, Elliott and De Bromhead providing the first four horses and plenty of credit must go to Christian Williams and Kitty's Light who he quite clearly had in tip-top form for the big day and the diminutive gelding absolutely ran his heart out in fifth on ground that may have been a shade slower than his ideal.

I Am Maximus, incidentally, is by the same sire as a certain Tiger Roll. It's probably too soon to start asking if he can follow in the Aintree legend's steps.

The sire in question is a certain Authorized who once upon a time provided a certain Frankie Dettori with his first Epsom Derby winner.

There are smiles all round from the beaten connections with Blackmore and Elliott facing up to the cameras and both are delighted with the roles they and their horses played in the big race. However you slice it, it would have taken some performance to have beaten I Am Maximus in that form.

For all of the full reaction and the replay head to our big race report but here are a few lines from the winning handler, including a nod to the role I Am Maximus' former trainer Nicky Henderson played in the victory.

"What really opened my eyes was the Bobbyjo, To win a Bobbyjo like that I said 'this guy is well ahead of the handicapper'. I could see all the time that Paul was happy where he was, he got him out and set him alight. Nicky said to me 'make sure you get that horse if you can' (when the owners switched their string to Ireland) and that's why we're here.

"He never shows me on the gallop that he's a champion, he's just another horse and is an easy enough horse to ride. He's unremarkable but he's obviously got an engine."

And a word, too, for Townend who has made a fine job of a tough gig in taking over from Ruby Walsh as stable jockey. I know he's got the horses but those were big boots he had to fill.

"He's just riding so well at the moment, so confident. Paul just sees things other jockeys aren't seeing at the moment."

Oh, I almost forgot - there was talk of a Gold Cup bid next season. So that's Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File and I Am Maximus - where does Gaelic Warrior fit in?

Spoilt for choice you might say.

1600: Forming a line for the 2024 Randox Grand National.

They're off and it's been a clean start. Last year's winner Corach Rambler is out of the race at the first, that's a disaster.

They're over four fences. Glengouly leads over fence 5. Becher's Brook is next and they're all safely over. Noble Yeats only has one behind at the Canal Turn. Stattler pulled up before Valentine's and Mahler Mission in rear after a mistake. I Am Maximus in the first half of the field scraping paint. Limerick Lace is also out the back.

The field have closed up a bit as they enter the racecourse proper suggesting the pace has evened out. They have a circuit in front of them. Panda Boy is another in rear. Mahler Mission and Mr Incredible both go at The Chair and I Am Maximus made a mistake but not too serious.

They cross the Melling Road and jump the 17th fence. Foxy Jacks may have taken over in the lead but there's half a dozen or so up there. Eldorado Allen giving his rider a huge spin and so, too, is Latenightpass as Mac Tottie is pulled up. Over Becher's for the second time. Galia Des Liteaux in the first four and Kitty's Light well in touch.

Foxy Jacks has dropped out as they jump the fourth last and there are still any number in contention, including I Am Maximus.

Kitty's Light in a share of third. Meetingofthewaters makes ground. Over the last and Minella Indo hits the front with Delta Work. Here comes I Am Maximus and he storms clear.

Delta Work, Minella Indo the next two home and then, I think, the commentator called Galvin and Kitty's Light.

What a training performance from Mullins and what a ride from Townend, quite brilliant.

1550: Poor old Galvin carried my pennies last year and duly unseated at the first.

Elliott put in a positive word for him earlier on with the drying conditions in his favour and I don't think he's performed too badly since. Underfoot conditions weren't ideal for either of his runs in the cross-country and his run behind Hiddenvalley Lake in the Boyne Hurdle was a satisfactory prep. He's 11lbs lower this time around but apparently he's getting a little warm in the preliminaries although that, Dixon adds, is not out of character.

The bell has sounded so the jockeys will soon be getting a leg up into the saddle and the nerves will be mounting.

A fanfare blares out over the PA system; it really is remarkable how cool these horses remain given the noise and number of people. It's no surprise that it proves too much for some, I'm not sure I'd cope that well. They are coming out onto the course and will gallop in front of the stands before making their way to the start.

Daryl Jacob is working for Racing TV today and has been asked for his 1-2-3 and he wants to see Vanillier win for Sean Flanagan, Corach Rambler was next and Capodanno completes his list having 'really, really impressed' the jockey in the pre-parade ring.

It's not long until we find out!

1540: Daryl Jacob expects Vanillier to be ridden more prominently than last year although he points out that he wasn't too far back before being hampered and that it was neither the horse's ability nor the plan to get as far back as they did.

Limerick Lace is relaxed and taking the pre-race hysteria in her stride, apparently she was more worked up at Cheltenham and swishing her tail but there's no sign of that so far. Is that good news given how well she ran last month? There's only going to be one way to find out (unless you have Gavin Cromwell's number).

It's understandable that Mullins dominates the headlines but it's some feat for Cromwell to come here with two live chances and what a season he has had.

Hislop reports that Limerick Lace has been kept back in the pre-parade ring and will enter the paddock late, connections clearly concerned that she might get worked up as Stanley highlighted.

Delta Work, according to the presenter, looks superb.

Dixon gives positive (form) mentions to Minella Indo and Galia Des Liteaux but he's worried about the track and the fences for race favourite I Am Maximus. Corach Rambler 'has got to be a big player again' he adds and he also likes Mahler Mission but he's not convinced he'll see out the trip given his enthusiastic style of racing and he's also concerned that he might be too high in the handicap.

1528: The Mullins team looks to be extraordinarily strong and they continue to dominate the market as last year's one-two - Corach Rambler and Vanillier - continue to drift and are 8/1 and 16/1 currently; that has to be tempting doesn't it?

I can't see any reason why the pair shouldn't again run big races and I don't think they've been too harshly treated either. Lucinda Russell believes that Corach Rambler has improved for his run in the Gold Cup which allays fears that a hard race at Cheltenham might have left a mark; I hope she's right.

You often need a reason, however spurious, to rule out a runner or two and a good deal has been made of I Am Maximus' jumping which, coupled with his price, is enough for me to strike him off the list. Hypocritically, I've given the benefit of the doubt to Meetingofthewaters whose own jumping hasn't convinced me either but he did run a nice prep in the Ultima and that run did sound as though it was very much an outing to tee him up for this prize.

I was surprised that Mark Walsh opted to ride Limerick Lace instead, not least given she has her stamina to prove but perhaps this trip will bring about a shedload of improvement as she's related to yesterday's winner Inothewayurthinkin. There's a lot of talk about the changing face of the National and perhaps those changes will alter the profile of the winners with horses now able to be successfully stepped up in distance, much as they do in other staying handicaps.

It's a theory anyway.

1518: I hope you've dined well on the appetisers and amuse-bouches, up next is the main course, the Randox Grand National.

It's a pretty obvious trio of Corach Rambler, Meetingofthewaters and Panda Boy for me.

Good luck with whoever you are with and you can follow the build-up to the big race right through to post time of 1600 right here.

I was hoping that Bowen would be asked about his National mount The Goffer during the post-race interview but the opportunity to find out what the jockey thought of the 66/1 shot was passed up. I expected better from The Goffer in the Ultima having run so well in the previous renewal but to my eyes, he shaped like a non-stayer for the second year running.

I'll be amazed if he wins this and my focus, very boringly, was very firmly on the top of the market.

1502: On the way to post for the Liverpool Hurdle and Flooring Porter is the 10/3 favourite with Hiddenvalley Lake at 9/2

Luck and Dixon both have 'pretty strong views' that Flooring Porter is going to be 'pretty hard to beat' here. The latter think everything tees up nicely for him and that the rest of the field have questions hanging over them. I'm rather hoping they're wrong!

The Timeform pundit hasn't seen enough from Hiddenvalley Lake to think that he's a Grade 1 horse yet but connections do seem quite confident. They're taking a turn, we're about to find out.

There's a new kid on the block as Strong Leader (8/1) wins stylishly for Murphy and Sean Bowen.

Buddy One went on a long way out and got a little tired but held on for second from Hiddenvalley Lake who ran well enough if not quite up to market expectations.

I'm not sure there are too many positives to take from the remainder. Flooring Porter went out quite quickly, Hewick ran well up to a point but Crambo never seemed to go a yard and has a bit to prove now which is a shame.

Murphy turned away immediate requests for an interview saying he needed a minute or two, apparently he was 'bawling his eyes out'.

That's what it means folks.

1450: Up next is the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle which sadly lacks the presence of Sire Du Berlais.

It's still an intriguing renewal even without the dual winner and we do have the dual placed Flooring Porter who can be expected to try and make all.

The old boy will have some up and coming youngsters snapping at his heels with Crambo, Buddy One, Strong Leader and Hiddenvalley Lake a quartet of seven-year-olds who will be looking to confirm their status in this sphere.

I wondered long and hard - it's all relative - as to whether I could justify siding with Hewick (I thought he'd be a longer price than he is) but finally opted against it. I've never watched an American jumps race but I was attempting to put a positive spin on his victory in their Grand National Hurdle as proof that the King George winner is just as effective in this sphere but his domestic form over timber says he needs to step up.

Noble Yeats has, of course, proved competitive in staying hurdles and I don't think it's beyond the realms with the drying ground in Hewick's favour but I would want significantly longer than 9/1 whether that's unrealistic or not.

It's a tentative view at best but Strong Leader and Buddy One would be my two against the field. The former ran well in the Cleeve and is unexposed at this trip and Olly Murphy has his string in decent order while I don't think the latter has received due credit for his fourth at Cheltenham.

Tom Lacey is talking about his winner of the last, Cruz Control, and reveals that the race had been a long-term plan, he's understandably pleased the plan came together.

1438: Cruz Control (9/1) wins. Stan Sheppard had to survive some very scary leaps in quite a dramatic race but his mount kept pouring it on from the front having looked vulnerable to the closers once or twice.

The veteran Sam Brown was badly outpaced at one point but flew home to pass stablemate Forward Plan for second. Kinondo Kwetu, on ground that was probably too soft for him, ran another terrific race in fourth.

The King Of Ryhope struggled to make up the ground from last, they quickened just after he took closer order and it will be interesting to see the sectionals.

I thought Crebilly had every chance but didn't seem to stay the trip today, perhaps that run at Cheltenham had taken something out of him.

Daryl Jacob on Racing TV says 'it was a wonderful ride' by Sheppard and goes on to analyse why.

1422: We're used to seeing the addition of headgear cited as a positive but Kilbeg King is the subject of noticeable market support on his first start since shedding the cheekpieces he's worn for the last three starts

A double figure price this morning, he's now a 6/1 shot in a race where trainer Anthony Honeyball has a strong hand as he also saddles Forward Plan, winner of a valuable Kempton handicap last time, and veteran Sam Brown who has taken a walk in the market.

Crebilly is also on the drift and has been usurped as favourite by The King of Ryhope.

Sam Brown won this race two years ago and Kinondo Kwetu was placed in last year's renewal, both are 20/1 and bigger. Cruz Control has been winning on heavy ground of late - surprise, surprise - and is pretty solid in the market at round 8/1 with Twig, who ran a blinder in the Ultima on ground thought to be too soft for him, a point longer.

I wanted to oppose the Cheltenham Festival runners in this race; The King Of Ryhope missed that meeting and has an obvious chance for Skelton but I'm also hoping that Cruz Control and Kinondo Kwetu can show up well.

The runners are in the paddock where Dixon has just described the favourite as 'a horse with a big chance' and he thinks he's 'got more ability than his mark' but it is in the back of his mind that he's a bridle horse.

1415: Kennedy is a very happy man having partnered Brighterdaysahead to the sort of success he thought she was capable of but he doesn't know whether she will be chasing or hurdling next season; that decision rest with the owners and trainer.

He's on board Delta Work for the same connections in the Grand National and said about that one: "I didn't want the ground to dry out as much as it did although it's a little slower than the year I was third on him which will suit and we're obviously a lot better off at the weights this year as well.

"Hopefully with a clear run, he'll be in the mix fingers crossed, hopefully he runs a nice race. I think they (the first time blinkers) will help him travel down over the first four or five fences a bit better than he has; we'll be hoping that'll help that way."

Delta Work is available at around 33/1.

I've just caught the end of Elliott's interview and he nominates Galvin as the wind blows and the ground dries out and Delta Work if it remains on the soft side as the best of his seven runners. He, too, was all smiles and cutting a relaxed figure after that brilliant performance from Brighterdaysahead.

1405: An update from Betfair on the state of their Grand National market:

'I Am Maximus is very strong at the head of the betting on the Betfair Exchange. There is currently £3.4 million matched on the great race and that reflects well on previous years at the same stage.'

The two Mullins runners disappointed in the race just gone but the Grand National market is all about them with I Am Maximus, Capodanno and Mr Incredible all well backed.

I Am Maximus is 13/2, Corach Rambler 17/2, Limerick Lace and Mr Incredible 11/1, Meetingofthewaters 12/1 and then it's 16/1 Kitty's Light, Panda Boy, Noble Yeats and Mahler Mission.

For the record, Brighterdaysahead won in a time of 5.04.76. The winning margin was the same as the first race, seven and a half lengths.

Anyone buy distances?

1350: Runners in the paddock for the Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle over two and a half miles and Brighterdaysahead is favourite, stepping up in trip after being done for toe in the Mares' Novice last month. Fourth home Jade de Grugy has won since to give the form some context but it's a shame we didn't get to see Golden Ace yesterday.

Mullins runs two and they've flip-flopped in the market with sustained support for the Tony Bloom owned Ile Atlantique who was around 5s this morning but is now the 11/4 second favourite with Jimmy Du Seuil, who finished in front of him in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle, at 10/3. It's 18/1 bar those three.

When I looked at the race yesterday Ile Atlantique was about 15/2 - Caldwell Potter was still a runner at that stage - and he as my idea of an each-way bet but that horse has bolted. Connections are expected to employ different tactics to Cheltenham which I think will be in his favour.

Elliott has talked of the favourite in glowing terms that he rarely uses and I think those comments have to be respected, obviously she has to walk the walk but I'm in no rush to oppose her.

They're heading out onto the course and they're coming into line as the clock ticks past post time.

Ile Atlantique wasn't ridden as positively as I had envisaged and Jack Kennedy made quite an early forward move with Brighterdaysahead, the two outsider pacemakers were still there at the second last before the favourite put them in their place. She's hosed up in great fashion.

Stablemate Staffordshire Knot was second but that's all about the winner who was returned at 6/5 favourite.

1345: Skelton is around £75,000 clear in the trainer's title race now and that's a good start to his day. It was also a good start for Christian Williams, trainer of 18/1 second Lord Snootie and he hopes his runner may 'be back at Aintree one day over the big fences'.

Kitty's Light was the last horse to get into the Grand National field but Williams seems to have been relaxed about the (not so) nervous wait to find out if they would get a run.

"I didn't follow it too much to be honest, the owners were on top of it," he told Hislop. "I just presumed he was getting in all along to be honest!

"He came great this time last year and he comes into form at this time of year. He's in great form, never seen him better and he's a very special horse."

A lot of his best form has been on quicker ground and when asked if he was concerned about the softer conditions, Williams replied: "No real view on it really. He's used to the big meetings and he'll enjoy it here. We've done all we can at home, we went to Lambourn and redressed a fence of our own, schooled once, went up over it three times and we were happy."

Yesterday's Topham winner Arizona Cardinal also went to Lambourn to school over their National fences; perhaps that's a positive omen for Kitty's Light.

1317: Lydia Hislop and Martin Dixon have run the rule over the runners and report that Gwennie May Boy got a little warm and Black Bamboo has sweated up 'significantly' in the paddock where Monmiral looked 'absolutely fantastic'. Dixon also put in a good word for Red Risk who is reunited with claimer Freddie Gingell for the first time since they finished second in the Lanzarote.

They are on the way to the start for the first race on Randox Grand National day.

Nick Luck believes Monmiral should be a shorter price than he is; he's been rejuvenated by the headgear. They're bunching up and it won't be long.

It's a winner for Dan Skelton and it was the second favourite Gwennie May Boy (9/2) who dotted up under Charlie Todd who stood high in his stirrups with arm aloft as he crossed the line.

There was a good tussle for third with Lord Snootie edging out West Balboa and Johnnywho who ran his best race for some time. Monmiral was fifth.

There was plenty of late money for the winner who, I think, was up at about 7/1 last night but he's clearly made rapid strides since joining the Warwickshire handler and completed his hat-trick in fine style with all 'the right' horses contesting the places.

It looked a competitive race beforehand but Gwennie May Boy finished seven and a half lengths clear of the field.

1306: West Balboa's price - c. 11/4 - and the number of runners does give the race a decent each-way look and a couple of outsiders have been put up by our tipsters and the market is looking quite lively in behind the favourite.

Johnnywho (11/1) and Chantry House (18/1) were both quite popular in the early action but both are drifting now and the latter's stablemate, Bold Endeavour, has shortened up to around 14/1 from at least 20s; he ran a fine race in the Pertemps last time, a race Monmiral (9/1) won with Cuthbert Dibble (7/1) back in third. Black Bamboo (8/1) also brings Cheltenham form to the table having finished in midfield in the Coral Cup and he's widely expected to appreciate moving back up in trip.

There doesn't appear to be too much love for many of the remainder at present.

The Skelton team is also represented by second favourite Gwennie May Boy (6/1) who is two from two for the yard but I didn't think the Uttoxeter race he won last time was all that strong and I'm happy to take him on off 9lbs higher in a better race.

Monmiral has a very obvious chance of hitting the frame but I've also persuaded myself that I had a case for supporting stablemate and top-weight Red Risk at around 33s. He's not a certain stayer and nor is he that well handicapped - and he wasn't in form when last seen either! - but he was only a short-head behind the favourite at Kempton last season, ran well behind Botox Has at Wetherby in November and Paul Nicholls has fitted him with cheekpieces. Ben Linfoot highlighted how effectively Nicholls has used headgear in the Aintree Bowl and I'm hoping some of that magic might just rub off and Red Risk can hit the frame.

1250: Our team provided their 1,2,3,4,5 for the Grand National yesterday and the Racing TV morning team have just been asked for their 1,2,3s.

Tom Stanley has gone with Vanillier, Galvin and I Am Maximus.

Mark Howard: Panda Boy, Limerick Lace and Mr Incredible

Steve Mellish: I Am Maximus, Vanillier and Corach Rambler

Lisa O'Neill put up Limerick Lace as her winner and Panda Boy in third but I'm not entirely sure of her runner-up given my illegible scrawl!

The countdown to the big race is very much on but there's plenty of decent action before then and punters will be hoping that the Skeltons hit another target with West Balboa very strong in the opening handicap.

1226: Sire Du Berlais is out of the Liverpool Hurdle having been found to be lame.

That's a great shame.

He won the last two runnings of the Grade 1 and it would have been fantastic to see the popular stayer lining up to try and complete his hat-trick. He may not get too many more opportunities given he's now 12.

That has shaken the market up obviously and Flooring Porter - placed in the last two renewals - heads the betting at 7/2, 'young pretender' Hiddenvalley Lake is 5/1 with Crambo and Strong Leader at 7s and Monkfish 'just' 17/2.

There are still eight runners which is important for each-way players and I'm tempted by Buddy One. He ran a cracker to finish fourth in the equivalent race at Cheltenham and has course form having been second in a handicap at last year's meeting. I wouldn't remotely describe him as a strong fancy but at the age of seven, he could still be on the up which isn't the case with a number of his rivals and, on official figures at least, he looks overpriced as he boasts a higher rating than the current second favourite and is twice the price.

That is, in part, because Hiddenvalley Lake hasn't had the opportunity to post a higher rating and Blackmore is certainly keen on her mount's chances but still, you get the drift and I'm hoping for a big run.

1216: Racing plays a big part in the local community and Aintree has had a long standing relationship (over 20 years) with the Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Earlier this week a number of jockeys, along with 2012 winner Neptune Collonges, visited the hospital and toured the wards, gifting sets of signed goggles.

Cobden was among those in attendance and said: “This is my first time here, but it is a great cause and it is nice to come and support it. The children here are going through, and have gone through, a tremendous amount of treatment. It is nice to come here and do your bit and put a smile or two on the face of the children. It is a fantastic facility, and it has really opened my eyes as to what they do here. There is a good bunch of us that have come from all over the place this morning and they have put in plenty of effort.

"It just goes to show what a good team of lads I ride with. You have got the likes of Jack Quinlan, Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen and some of the Irish boys here. It is just fantastic.”

Last year’s Randox Grand National-winning rider Derek Fox, who will again be on board Corach Rambler, added: "I was speaking to Brian (Hughes) yesterday about it and I thought I would pop down and have a look around. It is nice to do something like this and give back something. Racing is a great sport, and it is great for the kids to be able to meet some of the professional jockeys as it gives them a thrill. It is nice to be nice and hopefully we can make a small difference to the children’s lives on the day.”

Back to the racing and a rather downbeat Barry Orr has just revealed Betfair's positions at Aintree, saying: "Interest not massive at the moment which is a bit disappointing. I don't know what the cause of that is at the moment, we'll know more after racing.

"Sportsbook are paying 6 places and it looks like I Am Maximus is sure to go off favourite; he's very strong at the head of the market. Gold Cup winner Minella Indo (who will be ridden by Blackmore who is raising money for injured jockeys as part of Betfair's 'Serial Winners Fund') is a 16/1 chance, Capodanno is 25/1, Foxy Jacks is 28/1 and Adamantly Chosen has halved in price from 66/1.

"West Balboa is really well supported, Brighterdaysahead is all the rage and she could take a bit of beating."

1201: An update from the course on Sky Bet's Grand National position from Shinners who tells me: "It looks increasingly likely that I Am Maximus will go off favourite for this years Randox Grand National.

"He is currently our 6/1 clear favourite from Corach Rambler at 8/1 and Limerick Lace just behind him at 9/1.

"In terms of our worst result in the race, Coko Beach has proved very popular over the past 48 hours.

"Another two to mention who have caught the eye of Sky Bet customers are Kitty’s Light and Mr Incredible.

"Of the fancied runners the two horses who would be particularly good results for us are Mahler Mission and Galvin."

1153: The bookmakers' representatives are all taking their turn in front of the cameras and Coral's Simon Clare is the latest to talk through the card.

Away from the Grand National he reported that Sire Du Berlais and Hiddenvalley Lake are very solid against Flooring Porter in the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle. West Balboa is not the only Skelton horse to attract support today with King Of Ryhope another solid in the market ahead of his run in the 3m 1f handicap chase.

I was keen to take on Crebilly there in the 'hope' a big run in the Plate at Cheltenham may have taken the edge off him and the disappointing run of Shakem Up'arry in the Topham yesterday offers some encouragement for all that horses are all different. I couldn't really knock King Of Ryhope but I did think this race was one where we could get a turn up and I was looking towards Kinondo Kwetu (third last year) and the old boy Sam Brown.

I wasn't looking for a turn-up in the Maghull Novices' Chase and favourite Found A Fifty was another very solid favourite on Coral's books. Master Chewy is proving a popular choice against him having run so well in the Arkle but I (wrongly perhaps) never really saw the case for him. I will spit my dummy out if Quilixios wins though having been with him at Cheltenham only to see him blow the start completely with Blackmore seemingly expecting a false start only for the starter to let them go.

It's the Scottish National meeting at the end of next week and Clare, as his firm is a big sponsor, is hoping that Mullins takes home the lion's share of the National prize money to create a three-way race for the trainer's title. That would, it's expected, increase the likelihood of a number of the Closutton inmates making the journey to these shores over the next two weeks.

Some British trainers may not be quite so keen on that happening.

1139: There's a rich legacy of Corinthian amateur jockeys in racing and the Grand National with the now-retired Sam Waley-Cohen one of the most successful. He, of course, partnered Noble Yeats to victory in this very race and the top-weight - ridden today by Harry Cobden - will appreciate the drying ground and is another whose price has contracted.

Noble Yeats was fourth last year and races from a 1lb lower mark; he seems to be running as well as ever having shown up well over hurdles this season and must have a live each-way chance with his proven affinity for this unique test.

Looking to follow in Waley-Cohen's steps is David Maxwell who would become the first owner / rider to win the Grand National since 1883 but the omens aren't all that positive with Rachael Blackmore (who rode Ain’t That A Shame to finish 17th in 2023) none too complimentary about his mount, Ain't That A Shame.

Maxwell expressed a fear that he could be run away with going down to the first with millions of people watching around the world.

“I said, ‘Rachael, it’s keeping me awake at night!’ he revealed.

“She said, ‘Don’t worry, David, honestly, he’s not fast enough to run away with you, you’re going to be fine!’"

Maxwell, though, is obviously excited and looking forward to the day.

“It’s very exciting. The bit I can’t quite get my head round is, in the Foxhunters’ you go round once, and every time you jump one of the big ones, the key fences, you’re like, ‘Thank God I’m over Becher’s!’ Whereas with the National, you think, ‘I’ve got to jump Becher’s again and I’m going to be knackered next time!’ But it’s very exciting. It’s totally unknown territory for me, but the horse has jumped round before, he jumped round well last year. I went over to Henry’s about three weeks’ ago and had a sit on him. He’s a very civilised boy, he’s in great form. He’s actually quite a young 10, he hasn’t got too many miles on the clock, he loves the sport. He’s in very good form.

“The Grand National is all about the horses - it’s all about the story of the horses. By the time they get to the age when they can run round the National, we know them, we’ve seen their characters, we know what they’re like. And they’re wonderful things, and he’s a wonderful horse. He’s a lovely character, he’s competitive and he loves life.”

1121: Michael Shinners of Sky Bet has just been standing with Hannity behind a DJ desk in one of the pavilions. A keen music fan - he's a whizz at Popmaster - Shinners looked in his element as does The Wine Tipster who is making his way up to a garishly coloured bar where he's joined by the other two presenters. They get all the tough gigs as TWT waxes lyrical about his 'go to' lager.

They move on to the racing and TWT is with Mahler Mission whose young jockey, Ben Harvey, was interviewed earlier and is keen for the big race to start; keeping a lid on those big race nerves can't be easy. He also rates Adamantly Chosen and Panda Boy.

Sky Bet are paying six places and Shinners reveals that I Am Maximus has been 'very, very solid' as is Panda Boy while there has been money for Capodanno and Galvin with the ground potentially coming in his favour.

Meetingofthewaters is drifting as are Corach Rambler and Delta Work. So, too, are all the horses with obviously French names; apparently it's the same every year. Go figure!

1111: Ruby Walsh has just given positive mentions to Galia Des Liteaux, I Am Maximus and Capodanno.

The last-named has also been the subject of a positive market move with Coral cutting that one to 28/1 (from 40s) as well as stablemate Janidil to 80/1 (from 125s). I can't see it myself but I refer you to my previous post.

It's been a good week for Dan and Harry Skelton, boosting the former's title challenge and victory for Galia Des Liteaux could go a long way to sealing the deal. They have a live chance in the opening race of the day at 1.20 with West Balboa whose chance has been made a little easier with the news that Ben Linfoot's selection, Honor Grey, has been taken out of the race having been found to be lame this morning. Ben has two Grand National selections and another fancy elsewhere on the card.

West Balboa won the opening handicap hurdle 12 months ago off 6lbs lower, is three from three at Aintree and looked to be on the way back when running more promisingly at Kempton last time.

Now where have we seen that before?

1050: I think the last time I backed the Grand National winner was in 1996 when Rough Quest won for Mick Fitzgerald but luckily you for there's a wealth of expert opinion to be found across the pages of this website.

My record rather reminds me of comments a physics teacher made after handing back my answers to a multiple choice test. Apparently there have been some studies that suggest chimpanzees and monkeys will be right between 25-33% of the time, presumably selecting answers at random. Obviously I did far worse.

Anyone got a spare monkey to select a National winner for me? A mystic monkey would have better alliteration than those octopi and other animals that are occasionally wheeled out to predict sporting events.

By the by, the physics teacher also happened to be involved in racing being the son of former jockey and author Dick Francis and he, Felix, is now an author in his own right as he's continued his father's legacy. Pretty much all I can remember about his physics lessons was a joke / riddle he told which went along the lines of when did Easter fall on Boxing Day.

Perhaps we'd have got on better if we'd spent more time discussing racing rather than physics.

1036: There haven't been too many outsiders striking over the last two days so those dastardly bookmakers would no doubt relish a big-priced winner of the Grand National.

They did get some respite in the finale yesterday when El Jefe won at 40/1 having been matched at the maximum price on the Betfair Exchange of 1000/1 to the tune of £16. Ouch.

The last race doesn't often get a lot of coverage with everyone keen to dash for the door but that won't have worried El Jefe's teenage jockey Ben Smith too much. The son of trainer Mike Smith - a friend of the winner's handler, Andrew Hamilton - only got his licence in December and was understandably overjoyed, saying: "“I can’t even put it into words - it’s unbelievable. If you’d have told me I’d have a ride at this meeting, I’d have told you that you were delusional, let alone to have a winner.

“Once I crossed the line I didn’t know what was happening! I couldn’t believe it - the emotions. I had to get off because he had a loose shoe which we needed to pull off, and I thought I was going to be sick! Just the emotions were everywhere. I can’t explain it. This is my first winner away from Ayr, my local track. I’ve never even been to a major festival, even spectating, so to have my first ride here at one of these major festivals, I cannot put it into words.”

If you ever wondered what it might be like to walk in their shoes, that gives you some insight into the highs a winner can bring.

1022: There are two non-runners in the Grand National namely Chambard and Run Wild Fred who I don't suppose would have been on too many tickets.

I Am Maximus, whose jumping has its critics, is the current 7/1 favourite with last year's winner Corach Rambler out to 17/2. Ante-post gamble Limerick Lace is 10/1; Mahler Mission and Panda Boy are 12s with Meetingofthewaters at 14s.

Paddy Power report money for some of the outsiders in the field with their movers being Coko Beach 20/1 from 22s, Foxy Jacks 33/1 from 40s, Galvin 33/1 from 50s, Capodanno 33/1 from 40s, Stattler 33/1 from 40s, Mac Tottie 66/1 from 80s, Eldorado Allen 66/1 from 100s.

Matt Brocklebank has, as I'm sure you know by now, put up Mac Tottie in his Value Bet column.

Hot off the press, as it were, and accessible via clicking on the image below are the selections of our Punting Pointers duo Dave Massey and Rory Delargy.

There are some absentees elsewhere on the card, most notably Caldwell Potter who most would have been looking forward to seeing. The novice hurdles have taken a bit of a hammering this week with Readin Tommy Wrong and the two mares all ruled out of their respective races late on; rather a shame but there you go. Today's race still has its share of interest with Brighterdaysahead the subject of glowing words from her trainer, Gordon Elliott.

We could all use some of those.

1000: Good morning and welcome to Randox Grand National day.

It is the last of three days and we're set, hopefully, for a cracker.

News that will be welcome for some and less welcome for others - like all news I guess (you can't please all the people all the time etc) is that the ground has dried out on the Grand National course.

The official going is described as soft, good to soft in places and, I imagine, with a drying day could even quicken a little from there. That must be good news for Kitty's Light for whom victory would certainly be a feel good story.

Aintree clerk Sulekha Varma is being interviewed by Niall Hannity on Racing TV and says the ground has dried out a little more quickly than expected. "The good to soft is very much this side (they're standing somewhere near the end of the home straight if that helps!) of the Melling Road," she says and it's more testing elsewhere and expected to ride 'dead'.

Both are well wrapped up in jackets and the forecast, as all Brits know, is unreliable with some forecasters predicting a dry day and others forecasting showers. Apparently a shower might not be the worst thing for the horses as it might give the ground some 'life' back.

In other racing 'news' the first race of the new morning meetings has just finished. The maiden fillies' stakes included Sir Michael Stoute's first runner of 2024 but it was the market leaders who came to the fore with Saffie Osborne riding the Godolphin owned winner. She won't have minded the early start.

More Grand National tips and features

• Grand National Preview Podcast
• Horse-by-horse guide
• Statistical analysis and trends
• What the pedigrees say
• Graham Cunningham: Mission possible
• 'Jumpability' ratings and insight
• Key numbers behind the National
• Simon Holt on the remarkable Kitty's Light
• Record of Gold Cup horses
• Heavy ground Grand Nationals
• National runners who love soft ground
• Grand National Quiz
• Andrew Asquith's Weekend View
• Alex Hammond Blog
• WATCH: Grand National thoughts

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