Five Aintree specialists who look set to return in search of National glory

Every year it seems the old guard come back for more over Aintree's historic Grand National fences and next month's running looks likely to follow suit. Last year's winner Tiger Roll and National-regular Vieux Lion Rouge are among the remaining 81 entries – here are five other likely runners set for another spin

Best price: 12-1

This grand campaigner has twice been placed in the Gold Cup, finishing second to Al Boum Photo this year and third behind Native River in 2018, and will bid to better his fourth place in the National last year.

The JP McManus-owned nine-year-old carried 11st 8lb that day and is set to carry 2lb less this time despite being 5lb higher in the handicap on a rating of 164.

An impressive winner of the Paddy Power Chase in December 2017, Anibale Fly has plenty of class and proven stamina on his side.

Anibale Fly (left): finished second in the Gold CupCredit: Michael Steele

Best price: 50-1

This ten-year-old may be small in stature but has an impressive record over Aintree's spruce-covered fences.

He finished fourth in 2017 National, having looked the likely winner jumping the second-last, and won the Becher Chase the following December.

The 2016 RSA Chase winner is now based with Phil Kirby having moved from Nigel Twiston-Davies following a £360,000 sale to Darren Yates last month.

Having skipped Cheltenham, he will arrive a fresher horse than most and is set to carry only 10st 12lb compared to the 11st 10lb he saddled last year when brought down at the first fence.

Pleasant Company
Best price: 33-1

Last year's runner-up produced a fine round of jumping only to be beaten a head by Tiger Roll and bids to give trainer Willie Mullins a second victory in the race.

Returning for a third time and set to carry 10st 11lb – the same weight as last year – the 11-year-old has not been in the best of form this season but could be the type to reserve his best for Aintree.

One For Arthur: on his way to Grand National victory in 2017Credit: Mark Cranham

Best price: 33-1

Things have not gone smoothly for the 2017 winner since his moment in the sun, but the ten-year-old was a ready winner when putting four and a half lengths between himself and Cause Of Causes that day.

Two unseats at Aintree and Haydock on his only two starts since are not the ideal preparation, but trainer Lucinda Russell has had plenty of experience of training a horse for the big day.

Owned by the Two Golf Widows, One For Arthur carried 10st 11lb to victory but is set to have 1lb less on his back next month.

Ultragold wins the Topham last year to have Harry Cobden celebratingCredit: Grossick Racing (racing Post Photos)

Best price: 66-1

Trained by Colin Tizzard, this two-time winner of the Topham Chase thrives over Aintree's formidable fences and bids to add the National to his enviable course record.

The 11-year-old, also entered for a hat-trick bid in the Topham, would have to carry just 10st 3lb if in the field for the 4m2½f test.

Tizzard has won many of the great staying chases, including two Welsh Nationals with Native River and Elegant Escape, but a win in this race remains elusive.

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