VAN-CY THAT

THE greatest horse race in the world is still the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase and I'm hopeful that VANILLIER (4.00) can grab the gold medal having picked up silver in 2023 when rated 146 and carrying 10st 6lb.

- MARK WINSTANLEY

Willie Mullins captured the wonderful equine spectacle last season, and I'm sure MINELLA COCOONER has been laid out for this.

The nine-year-old landed a three-mile five handicap chase at Sandown Park in April off a perch of 151, having earlier finished third in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

If you want one for the tri-cast PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS is your huckleberry, as he looked a much-improved performer when accounting for 26 rivals over three miles at Leopardstown over Crimbo on decent ground when racing off a perch of 142.