'Nothing's given me any concern' - Edwardstone in line to join star-studded list

Saturday: 3.00 Aintree
Poundland Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Sprinter Sacre, Douvan and Shishkin are the only horses to complete the Arkle-Maghull Novices' Chase double in the last decade and the less-fashionable Edwardstone is odds-on to join that list of greats.

It has taken a while for some to warm to Edwardstone, who did not bring up any trees over hurdles, but his superiority in the two-mile novice chase division is indisputable after he dismissed the creme de la creme of Ireland in comfortable fashion at Cheltenham.

Alan King's star novice is on a roll with four straight victories at Grade 1 and Grade 2 level by an accumulative tally of 34-and-a-half lengths.

Third Time Lucki has twice faltered behind Edwardstone over fences and those making a case for the tables to be turned at Aintree are perhaps clutching at straws, considering the pair have been similarly busy all campaign.

Gentleman De Mee was not Willie Mullins' number one two-mile novice chasing prospect earlier in the season after struggling behind Ferny Hollow and Haut En Couleurs in his first two chases, and perhaps still is not, but the six-year-old has turned a corner since.

Switching to front-running tactics has proved the making of Gentleman De Mee. He has barely seen another rival on his last two outings, the latter in a Grade 3, although his prospects of an easy lead are reduced with the presence of For Pleasure for a buoyant Alex Hales yard in opposition. It is difficult to imagine that one lasting out, however.

Mullins' 11 per cent strike-rate at Aintree falls short of his winning ratio at the majority of other British tracks and backing all his runners there would have resulted in a £54.90 loss to £1 stakes, but that stat is influenced by his regular mob-handed approach to tackling the Grand National.

If there are any chinks in Edwardstone's armour, Gentleman De Mee will surely be the horse to expose them for a trainer who is 1-1 in the Maghull in the last decade.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

King confident that rock-solid Edwardstone can continue to progress

He may be facing his seventh start of the season, but Edwardstone is showing no signs of slowing down at the end of a busy campaign, according to the man who knows him best, Alan King.

In many ways, Edwardstone has been a breath of fresh air in the novice chase division this season, going from strength to strength to rack up his fifth straight win when posting a career best in the Arkle.

He is clearly thriving on his racing and King, who has resisted any temptation to reach for the cotton wool, is confident his rock solid novice will run another massive race.

King said: "Everything has gone well with him since Cheltenham and his work at the end of last week was lovely. He schooled with Sceau Royal on Monday and that went fine.

"He's only a novice for one more race so he'll take his chance."

"Though he's had quite a busy season," he added. "He's not showing any sign that it's catching up with him and he's lovely and relaxed at home.

"We've trained him in a way that means we hope he'll keep progressing and we gave him a good break after Christmas. This is his last run of the season and if it's one too many he's got all summer to get over it, but I've not seen anything to give me concerns and he should run a very big race."

Arkle winner Edwardstone is out to score at AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker

What they say

Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer of Amarillo Sky
He's finished fifth in the Grand Annual and on ratings has a bit to do. It's his last run as a novice and he's a solid early 140s horse. He's taken on good horses this season and has been impressive when he's won and I think he deserves to take his chance.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Fugitif
He's as fresh as paint after his run on Thursday and he could run again. He jumps very well for a novice.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Gentleman De Mee
He seems in great form. It looks like he has a huge task here in taking on Edwardstone but sometimes those Cheltenham horses don't always quite run to the same level next time. Hopefully our fellow runs well.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Mick Pastor
He's got a chance of picking up some crumbs but on all known form he's got it to do. There's not many races he can run in now. But he is quite good fresh. Good ground and a flat track is made for him so he might run into a place, you never know.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Third Time Lucki
He missed Cheltenham which I'm happy about as with the dry forecast the ground should be ideal for him. The track is great for him as well and there are no excuses.
Reporting by Brian Sheerin

Saturday's Aintree previews:

2.25 Aintree: can Three Stripe Life take advantage of a golden Grade 1 opportunity?

3.35 Aintree: can Flooring Porter follow in footsteps of the greats and complete the double?

4.15 Aintree: it's time to find out if Shan Blue is the best-handicapped chaser in Britain

5.15 Aintree: 'She's entitled to be the price she is' – Coleman excited by Snow Leopardess

View the latest Grand National runners and riders using our dedicated microsite. Get our experts' Grand National tips all in one place.