Last Updated: Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:12
A field of 40 has been confirmed for Saturday's Grand National with Cloudy Lane expected to start the big race as favourite.
Cornish Rebel and Ollie Magern have been the only two horses to withdraw so far, handing starts to Philson Run and Dun Doire in the Aintree showpiece.
Four reserves are on standby, Ardaghey, Joes Edge, In The High Grass and Ossmoses, and will be able to take the place of a horse declared a non-runner by 9:30am on Friday.
Meanwhile, Cloudy Lane is the strong fancy for the world's most famous race as the McCain family look to add to their successful Aintree memories.
Ginger McCain saddled Red Rum to three Grand National victories and was victorious in 2004 with Amberleigh House, but it's his son Donald who trains the eight-year-old Cloudy Lane.
McCain Junior admitted: "He's come out of his last race well. He had a little quiet spell but he's been back in fast work a while now and he's in really good order.
"He's in great nick and a bit of sun has made a great difference to all the horses and he's certainly appreciated it."