Vieux Lion Rouge is in great form and this has always been the plan – Pipe on Aintree ace

the second of them. Lord Du Mesnil, Top Ville Ben, Snow Leopardess and Grand Sefton fourth Via Dolorosa are among the likelier types.

And then there is dear old Vieux Lion Rouge. A fall at the 20th in the Grand National brought to an end his unblemished course record, which includes nine completions and form figures in this race of 17291. He is 12 now and 5lb higher than when dotting up in this race last year, but if your main aim is to find a safe conveyance for those first seven places then you need look no further than this minor Aintree legend.

Tottie going for unique double

LAST month’s Grand Sefton winner Mac Tottie returns to Aintree in an attempt to complete a unique double over the National fences.

Mac Tottie revelled on his first try over the course to score for father-and-son team Peter and James Bowen.

Moving up from 2m5f to 3m2f should not be a problem for the secondseason chaser, who beat Senior Citizen by a length last time with a further 12 lengths back to the third.

“I’m really looking forward to riding him again,” said James Bowen, who partners dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll in the preceding Many Clouds Chase.

“He’s been put up 7lb so we’ve got that to deal with, but we’re off a nice weight again on 10st 6lb. He’ll take a bit of beating.”

What they say Richard Hobson, trainer of Lord Du Mesnil

He’s got a lovely weight and as long as we get the juice in the ground we’re hopeful we’ll get, he should run a big race.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Kimberlite Candy

The rain has come in time and his record round there speaks for itself.

David Pipe, trainer of Vieux Lion Rouge, Via Dolorosa, Abaya Du Mathan and El Paso Wood

Vieux Lion Rouge is in great form and schooled well over the fences this week. This has always been the plan. We’re unsure about the extra trip for Via Dolorosa. Abaya Du Mathan and El Paso Wood are a fair way out the weights.

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Snow Leopardess

This has always been the plan this season. She went over the fences fine in Lambourn last week. She’s in great form.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Hogan’s Height

He’s in great order, he loves the fences and his rating has come down to a manageable mark.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Le Breuil

He loves it at Aintree and owes us nothing after his victory at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. We could send him hunter chasing in the new year.