McLernon looking forward to tussle with old ally Cloth Cap on Kimberlite Candy

A man who knows Randox Grand National favourite Cloth Cap better than most could be one of his main obstacles to victory at Aintree on Saturday, with Richie McLernon gearing up for the ride on the well-fancied Kimberlite Candy in the world's most famous race.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider is an integral part of Jonjo O'Neill's team at Jackdaws Castle and no jockey has partnered Cloth Cap more on the racecourse, with McLernon successful on three of the 11 occasions he has teamed up with the National favourite.

However, at Aintree he will be in the opposite corner when renewing his association with Kimberlite Candy for Herefordshire trainer Tom Lacey.

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Kimberlite Candy was a leading hope for the race last year before the meeting was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and 12 months on McLernon reports his big-race mount to be in good shape.

"We're all systems go," said the rider. "I had a sit on him about ten days ago and he felt great so I'm really looking forward to Aintree and Tom's happy with him, so that's grand."

Kimberlite Candy has finished runner-up in the last two runnings of the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences and is a general 12-1 to go one better in the National, with Cloth Cap no bigger than 4-1 at the head of the market.

Cloth Cap: hot favourite for the Randox Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I know Cloth Cap well," said McLernon. "I've ridden him loads and see him plenty. He's been very impressive this year and he's favourite for a reason. He's a grand, straightforward horse."

McLernon rated Kimberlite Candy's chances highly before the race was called off last year and is thanking his lucky stars that the nine-year-old appears to be in similar shape heading into Saturday's race.

He added: "I was really looking forward to last year but it was one of those things and [there was] nothing anyone could do about it. We're lucky to be here getting another chance.

"I was very happy with his run in the Becher last time. He jumped very well and ran a nice race. Everyone is going there with a chance and you need a lot of luck in running but hopefully luck will be in our favour on the day. I'm really looking forward to it."

McLernon came agonisingly close to landing the National for O'Neill in 2012 when beaten in a photo-finish aboard Sunnyhillboy, who like Kimberlite Candy is owned by Jackdaws Castle landlord JP McManus.

Victory in the leading owner's silks would certainly be extra special for McLernon, who has long since moved on from Sunnyhillboy's narrow defeat by Neptune Collonges.

"You just get on with life," said the 34-year-old. "I was very lucky to ride a horse like Sunnyhillboy and I'm very lucky to be able to have another ride with the quality of Kimberlite Candy. It would be brilliant to do it for JP."

Potters Corner, a general 25-1 chance for the National, will school over an Aintree-style fence as trainer Christian Williams puts the finishing touches to his big-race preparations.

Potters Corner: last season's Welsh Grand National winner is heading for AintreeCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"It was all about the Welsh National last season and it's all about Aintree this season," said Williams. "The schooling over a fence is the last box to tick.

"We could make our own but he's so laid-back it will probably do him good to go on the lorry and have a day out. We did it before the Welsh National, he went to Henrietta Knight's only two days before, so we know it doesn't inconvenience him."

Read more on the 2021 Grand National festival:

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McConnell living the Grand National dream with Mullins cast-off Some Neck

O'Leary: Tiger Roll goes to Aintree and there will be no humble pie if he wins

O'Neill confident about Cloth Cap's chances but his price is 'crackers'

Another Papillon? Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now primed for Grand National bid

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