One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Gordon Elliott may have seen his Grand National battalion depleted slightly by the sale of Outlander and Don Poli, but he is still represented by 11 in the Grand National, breaking his mentor Martin Pipe's record in the race.

Tiger Roll is the ace in the pack for the Cullentra trainer as he targets a third win in the Grand National to follow in the footsteps of the nine-year-old and Silver Birch, who won the race for Elliott in 2007.

It is not all about the National though, believe or not, as Elliott has plenty of runners elsewhere on the card at Aintree. Apple's Jade is on something of a redemption mission after disappointing again at Cheltenham and runs in the Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle (3.40).

Pertemps winner Sire Du Berlais (1.45), Chosen Mate (2.25) and a pair in the last, Kuiper Belt and Chief Justice (6.20), ensure Elliott has plenty of ammunition at his disposal away from the Aintree marathon.

Jockey

It appears that the talented Sean Bowen is one of the chief beneficiaries of Noel Fehily's recent retirement and the young jockey is handed a fine ride on If The Cap Fits in the Grade 1 Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle (3.40).

The seven-year-old has long appealed as a horse who could improve when stepped up in distance and Fry appears bullish at the prospects of the gifted hurdler staying the 3m½f trip.

Bowen's first ride of the day is on Kateson in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2.25), who bids to provide trainer Tom Lacey with a first Grade 1 success.

The fact Gordon Elliott has elected to book Bowen's services in the Randox Health Grand National (5.15) is also significant. The rider partners the capable 150-rated chaser Monbeg Notorious, who has plenty of back class, finishing second in the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown festival last season.

Horse

Olly Murphy is still awaiting his first top-level victory and the trainer will be hoping Brewin'upastorm can fulfil a long-term ambition in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2.25).

Fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle last time and in the Challow Novices' Hurdle three starts ago, the six-year-old has long been held in the highest regard by Murphy and is the joint highest-rated runner in the line-up.

Brewin'upastorm is a strong traveller who will likely not be inconvenienced by a return to a flatter track, and could just be the horse Murphy can make the headlines with.

Race

The entire day will revolve around the Randox Health Grand National (5.15). It is the race that attracts the largest audience in British racing and the most betting interest, and while last year's returning champion Tiger Roll will undoubtedly prove popular as he tries to emulate Red Rum, a quick glance through the starting price of recent winners suggest no contender can be entirely discounted.

Watching the Grand National is a thrill in itself and watching one in contention with your support behind it is the cherry on the top of a rather marvellous cake.

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