The JP McManus owned Minella Rocca is a noteworthy market mover in the betting for the Aintree Grand National on April 14, though he will have to carry the hefty burden of 11st 10lb after the original top weight Definitly Red, Edwulf and Outlander were all scratched.

Though as we all know the old saying “Weight stops trains” but the connections of the talented 8-year-old are very optimistic of their chances and that has been reflected in the momentum behind the gamble, which the horse in question is now a 16/1 shot and shortening every day.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neil has stated “He’s won over four miles, so he just has to get another half a mile. Top weight isn’t ideal, but that’s the way it is and he’s a big horse, so hopefully he can carry it. He jumps well and keeps galloping, so the National was always at the back of my mind.”

He added: “You need a lot of luck and obviously a horse that jumps and stays. On paper, this fellow (Minella Rocco) would be a better horse than Don’t Push It, but everything has to go right.”.

“The National is a fantastic race and it’s worth a lot of money. Just to be part of it and enjoy it is magical. Aintree has an electricity around it and to be involved in anything here is fantastic”.