WILLIE MULLINS could field a ‘Magnificent Seven’ runners in the Grand National.
And the legendary trainer’s right-hand man has picked out one who will ‘definitely’ go close.
The world’s most famous race is starting to take shape after yesterday’s latest acceptance stage.
Mullins has left ten in the £1million contest but is likely to pull at least three out as the Aintree feature on April 11 draws closer.
Two of his horses are right at the head of the market for the 34-runner feature.
And it’s possible now to make a case for likely jockey bookings.
JP McManus’ No1 rider Mark Walsh will be on the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained Jagwar.
While Jonjo O’Neill is likely to keep the mount on last year’s fourth Iroko, trained by the same pair.
That leaves Irish billionaire McManus’ current market leader I Am Maximus – who won the race in 2024 and finished runner-up last year – free.
And with course and distance form assured it looks likely Mullins‘ No1 rider Paul Townend will opt to ride him again.
Grangeclare West was a tad unlucky last year in finishing third behind 33-1 winner Nick Rockett.
After a late seasonal return, Patrick Mullins can be expected to ride the defending champ.
While Brian Hayes has formed a good bond with the Cheveley Park-owned Grangeclare West.
Also vying for a top ride will be Danny Mullins, who yet again showed what he can do on the big stage when winning the Arkle with Kargese.
Harry Cobden delivered one of the rides of the season last year when winning the Scottish Grand National snugly on Captain Cody.
Mullins’ confidante David Casey told the Nick Luck podcast he is another all-but certain to line up at Aintree.
And Cobden, who will take over from Walsh in May, could hop on the eight-year-old again.
That’s Mullins’ big four but making up the possible seven are High Class Hero, Lecky Watson and Quai De Bourbon, who are all guaranteed a run.
Three who look less likely at this stage to make the trip are Spanish Harlem, Champ Kiely and, right at the bottom of the weights, Shanbally Kid.
Pressed for his pick from the squad coming over, Casey said I Am Maximus, who is as short as 8-1, makes the most appeal.
He said: “Looking at the last couple of years I think I Am Maximus definitely has to be in the mix.
“He won it two years ago, was second last year and has had a stronger preparation this year.”
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