GRAND NATIONAL: Simon looks simply grand

Owned by jump racing stalwart Mercy Rimell, victory for the nine-year- old would be fitting given his dam, Gaye Memory, tragically died giving birth this week.

Rimell and trainer John Spearing may also feel they have unfinished business with Aintree after Simon crashed out of last year's race at Valentines second time round when still bang in contention.

His whole season has been geared around a return trip to Aintree and a fine fourth behind Gungadu in the Racing Post Chase last time advertised his well being, especially as he requires more of a test of stamina these days.

An injury to regular pilot Andrew Thornton means Dominic Elsworth is handed the ride for the first time, but Elsworth was in great form at the Cheltenham Festival and his fine run has continued since.

The Irish have won four of the last five renewals of the National so the likes of Slim Pickings, King Johns Castle, Snowy Morning and Chelsea Harbour will all be popular as betting fever hits Britain.

Of that quartet, preference is for Chelsea Harbour, who looks to have enjoyed the perfect preparation for today's marathon.

The Old Vic gelding posted a terrific effort in landing Punchestown's Grand National Trial in February, carrying top weight to a comprehensive sevenlength triumph in the hands of Davy Russell.

A recent tune up over an inadequate trip at Leopardstown should have put the eight-year-old spot on for today's test and, with 16 runs over fences on his CV, Chelsea Harbour looks to have enjoyed the required amount of experience.

Cloudy Lane has been a well-backed favourite in the ante-post markets and he is the handicap 'good thing' of the race, as the assessor would saddle him with more weight if he could frame the showpiece chase again.

Superbly handled by Donald McCain, Cloudy Lane looks to have all the credentials to run a huge race as he jumps well, should stay and hails from a stable steeped in the tradition of today's wonderful event.

However, the bookmakers have taken few chances with his price and value seekers may look towards the likes of Bewleys Berry and D'Argent for a bet at bigger odds.

The first named seems to come alight when he tackles the Aintree fences so his recent effort when disappointing at Haydock can be forgiven.

His stats over the famous fences read 2F2 and a fine second to Mr Pointment in the Becher Chase before Christmas stamped him a National horse in waiting.

D'Argent tackles Liverpool for the first time and even his handler doesn't know how his charge — bidding to become the first grey since Nicolaus Silver, in 1961, to win the race —will cope.

The odds on offer compensate for his lack of experience, though, and, if a horse like D'Argent is ever going to take to the unique experience, then first time could be the occasion to catch him.

Today's lay is Pertemps Networks (Newcastle, 3.05).