/ Timeform / 01 February 2012 / 1 Comments 
The Grand National is likely to feature a maximum field of 40.
"As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented..."
As expected, last year's Grand National hero Ballabriggs will return for another crack at the Aintree showpiece on Saturday April 14...
There were no notable absentees for the marathon, which now features record prize money of £975,000, with the likes of Synchronised and Deep Purple likely to join Donald McCain's eleven-year-old near the head of the weights should they take their chance.
Deep Purple's trainer, Evan Williams, has two other strong representatives lined up for the race in Welsh National third Cappa Bleu and State of Play, in the frame in the last three running's of the Grand National.
Cappa Bleu's Chepstow conqueror Le Beau Bai is also amongst the entries, as are Scottish National runner-up Always Right, Rowland Meyrick/Peter Marsh scorer According To Pete.
For a race which either are yet to win, Nicky Henderson has Burton Port, Quantititiveeasing and Shakalakaboomboom engaged, whilst Paul Nicholls relies on Neptune Collonges and Niche Market.
Alan King has a pair of leading fancies in Hold On Julio and West End Rocker, while Calgary Bay, Giles Cross, and Midnight Chase are all intriguing entries.
Mon Mome won the race in 2009 and looks likely to be back again whilst David Pipe, who saddled Comply Or Die to victory a year earlier has entered ante-post favourite Junior, Massini's Maguire and the yet-to-reappear The Package.
As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented (31 entries) with champion trainer Willie Mullins putting 12 into the races headed by last year's sixth The Midnight Club, On His Own and Prince de Beauchene.
Neol Glynn will be expecting Becauseicouldntsee to do better than last year (feel second), while Backstage is back again for Gordon Elliott (also has Chicago Grey and Tharawaat), as is Black Apalachi for Dessie Hughes, the 13-year-old having not seen the track since finishing second to Don't Push It two years ago.
Although last year's runner-up Oscar Time won't be running this time round, Robert Waley-Cohen has entered his hunter chaser Roulez Cool.
Junior currently heads the ante-post market for the race at [16.0], and a full list of prices can be found by clicking HERE.
Henrietta Knight is to give Calgary Bay another tilt at the John Smith's Grand National after the nine-year-old put up a creditable weight-carrying performance in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster......
Venetia Williams is on the lookout for a race next month for Mon Mome following his disappointing performance at Haydock last weekend....
Last season's Grand National runner-up Oscar Time has been ruled out for the season with a leg injury......
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