Willie Mullins believes all his runners have genuine each-way chances when he launches an eight-strong challenge on Saturday's £1million Randox Grand National.
Last year’s Irish National winner I Am Maximus, the 7-1 second favourite with Paddy Power, leads the Mullins squad and is the pick of stable jockey Paul Townend.
But Mullins has two other horses in the first five of the ante-post betting — Meetingofthewaters (8-1, Danny Mullins), winner of the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting before finishing third in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month, and Mr Incredible (12-1, Brian Hayes).
He unseated Hayes when still going well after the Canal Turn on the second circuit last year after his saddle slipped.
The eight-year-old made a belated seasonal reappearance last month when second under top weight in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.
Last year’s Irish National winner I Am Maximus leads the Willie Mullins' Grand National squad
Mullins said: ‘I have lots of good horses in the National.
‘I Am Maximus does look the best on form but with the ground the way it is, the form the horses are in at home and I think they all have each-way chances. I am very happy with the whole team.
‘This has been our target with I Am Maximus since winning last season’s Irish National. He is learning the game. He was a very immature horse and you could see that in last year’s Irish Grand National when he wouldn’t go round the inside and Paul had to pull him to the outside. This season he is maturing all the time and his head is getting better.’
Mr Incredible has looked a transformed performer since joining Mullins.
Asssessing his chance Ireland’s champion trainer added: ‘Mr Incredible has a big chance. He is quirky but he will love the track.’
Mullins’ other runners are Stattler (Patrick Mullins), Capodanno (Keith Donoghue), Adamantly Chosen (Sean O’Keeffe), Janidil (Jody McGarvey) and Glengouly (Micheal O’Sullivan).
Meanwhile, trainer Ben Pauling has suffered a major blow with owners Andrew and Jane Megson removing their horses from his stable including the talented Tellherthename.
The gelding, who Pauling was aiming at next week’s Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr, has been switched to Ed Dunlop to pursue a Flat career.
Pauling was successful at last month’s Cheltenham Festival with Harry Redknapp-owned Shakem Up’arry, who runs in this afternoon’s Topham Trophy Chase along with stablemate Your Darling.
Benedict Cumberbatch looks suave as he joins his co
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd reveals why he has banned his parents from watching Netflix hit
Google, Justice Department make final arguments about whether search engine is a monopoly
Panama Supreme Court rejects challenge to candidacy of presidential frontrunner days before vote
Floyd Mayweather gifts $30k to homeless men before Clippers
Hannah Waddingham looks effortlessly stylish in tan trousers as she goes shopping in New York City
French police peacefully remove pro
Sophie Morgan suddenly quits ITV show Loose Women as she reveals plans for emigration
Revealed: Britain's favourite royal, as Prince William is knocked from the top spot
Sienna Miller's lookalike daughter Marlowe, 11, makes her first ever red carpet appearance
Ten jet lag busters! Airline crew's tips to make long