National selection calls for Maximus confidence

I Am Maximus can emulate the great Red Rum by regaining his title in the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

Ginger McCain's three-time hero won the world-famous staying contest in 1973 and 1974 before coming home second in 1975 and 1976, after which he brought the trophy home for a third and final time in 1977.

I Am Maximus has some way to go to hit those heights, but gaining the distinction of reclaiming the National is within his grasp when he lines up in Liverpool.

Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, who could have opted for another leading fancy in the shape of Grangeclare West, the 10-year-old came home 7.5-lengths ahead to land the race at 7-1 in 2024.

He returned 12 months ago and was again the pick of Townend, who steered him to a second-place finish only 2.5-lengths behind stablemate Nick Rockett.

The JP McManus-owned gelding has run three times since, warming to the task throughout the season with a runner-up finish in the Savills Chase and then a fifth-placed effort in the Irish Gold Cup.

His exploits see him carry a top-weight burden of 75.3kg, though he shouldered that when running so well last season.

With that in mind he ticks every essential box and with last year's conqueror Nick Rockett ruled out he should have every chance unless luck abandons him completely at Aintree.

There will be hopes for another Mullins-trained winner on the undercard as Salvator Mundi contests the Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase.

The six-year-old is already an Aintree winner having taken the Top Novices' Hurdle last term, and has graduated to chasing this term with a second-placed run on debut at Thurles in November.

A disappointing effort in the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas followed, but he put that behind him with a return to form when winning another Thurles contest by 28 lengths in February.

He evidently has much to offer and with the benefit of his experience so far he can make a chasing breakthrough at Grade One level.

Strong Leader is likely to enjoy a return to his favourite track to take on the Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle for trainer Olly Murphy.

Winner of the race in 2024 and second last year, the nine-year-old seems to reserve his best performances for Liverpool as he was also second in the Top Novices' Hurdle and the winner of a novice here as a younger horse.

He won the Grade Two bet365 Hurdle on his seasonal debut and was second in both the Long Distance Hurdle and the Long Walk, before a sixth-placed run in the Cleeve saw connections opt to give him a wind operation.

He missed the Festival and therefore arrives at Aintree a fresh horse, and with such an evident liking to the course here he can be backed to give better-fancied rivals and recent foes a run for their money. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

AINTREE: Race 1 - 13.45 Salvator Mundi, Race 2 - 14.20 Supremely West, Race 3 - 14.55 Charisma Cat, Race 4 - 15.30 Brave Fortune, Race 5 - 16.05 STRONG LEADER (NAP), Race 6 - 17.00 I Am Maximus, Race 7 - 18.00 Bass Hunter.

BELLEWSTOWN: Race 1 - 17.17 Flawless Fusion, Race 2 - 17.48 Nephin Mountain, Race 3 - 18.23 Goldrush Kid, Race 4 - 18.55 Happy Henry, Race 5 - 19.30 Venetian, Race 6 - 20.00 Superficial, Race 7 - 20.30 Joe Cool.

CHEPSTOW: Race 1 - 13.35 Guts And Glory, Race 2 - 14.05 Molten Sea, Race 3 - 14.40 Pep Talking, Race 4 - 15.15 Cornish Storm, Race 5 - 15.50 Gris Majeur, Race 6 - 16.32 Katie's Melody, Race 7 - 17.40 Shan't Wait.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1 - 13.55 It's Maisy, Race 2 - 14.30 Bravethewaves, Race 3 - 15.07 Toby Two Scoops, Race 4 - 15.42 Hello Judge, Race 5 - 16.25 As Fast As Wind, Race 6 - 17.32 Lost Frequencies, Race 7 - 18.10 Midday Rendezvous.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1 - 17.45 Wicksey, Race 2 - 18.15 Pleasant Man, Race 3 - 18.45 Al Azd, Race 4 - 19.15 Ambishio, Race 5 - 19.45 Shades Of May, Race 6 - 20.15 Autumn Angel, Race 7 - 20.45 Farandaway, Race 8 - 21.15 Piperstown.

YARMOUTH: Race 1 - 15.02 Queen Of Good News, Race 2 - 15.37 Del Maro, Race 3 - 16.12 Harriet Quimby, Race 4 - 16.42 Something, Race 5 - 17.25 Generic, Race 6 - 18.06 Organise, Race 7 - 18.40 Almaty Star, Race 8 - 19.10 Zoustellar.