Extra week could prove crucial to Cheltenham runners at Aintree

'Be wary of Cheltenham form at Aintree' is a line you can guarantee will be uttered more than once before the conclusion of this year’s Randox Health Grand National meeting on Saturday.

The theory behind the well-worn statement is that the exertions of trying to win at the Cheltenham Festival means a horse's recovery rate will be longer than for an average race, and trying to repeat the form at another fiercely competitive festival just weeks later is no easy task.

However, those attempting the double this year have been given a little extra respite with a 27-day gap between the last day of Cheltenham on March 16 and the opening day of Aintree on April 12.