Grand National: Four to watch

THE LAST SAMURI: Brilliant in Doncaster’s Grimthorpe Chase, trainer Kim Bailey bids for his first National since Mr Frisk prevailed 26 years ago. Jockey David Bass is enjoying a career-best season. The horse would have an additional 12lb to carry if the handicap had been determined after the Grimthorpe.

GOONYELLA: One of the few horses with proven form over four miles, trainer Jim Dreaper’s father Tom was responsible for the legendary triple Gold Cup winner Arkle. The softer, the better for this former Midlands National winner

MANY CLOUDS: It is impossible to ignore the credentials of last year’s hero who has only gone up 1lb in the handicap as Leighton Aspell, the comeback jockey bids to become the first jockey to win three successive Nationals.

AACHEN: If the going becomes extremely testing, Aachen will relish the heavy going. His best form has come in extreme conditions and Middleham jockey Henry Brooke has winning form over the Aintree fences. Trainer Venetia Williams won this race with 100-1 outsider Mon Mome in 2009.