31 Irish-trained entries among 125 still in the Grand National

A total of 125 acceptors, 19 more than at the same stage last year, have stood their ground in the #800,000 John Smith?s Grand National after the first forfeit stage for the world?s greatest chase, details of which were revealed today.

With 98 entries remaining in the handicap for the April 5 marathon, the weights are now headed by Celestial Gold, winner of the John Smith?s Bowl at Aintree in April, 2006. The 10-year-old gelding is set to carry 11st 12lb in the four and a half mile event, following the defection of original top weight Beef Or Salmon.

The Willie Mullins-trained pair, Snowy Morning and Hedgehunter, and last year´s third Slim Pickings head the remaining 31 Irish entries. Other Irish-trained defections today include Forget The Past, Bothar Na, Oodachee and Hear The Echo.

Slim Pickings, third behind Silver Birch in the race last year, is currently a 16/1 chance following a promising fifth in the Mick Holly Memorial Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Snowy Morning, third behind The Listener in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown and attractively weighted on 11st, is now a clear second favourite with the Tote at 10/1.

Hedgehunter, winner of the John Smith´s Grand National in 2005, finished ahead of stablemate Snowy Morning when chasing home Afistfullofdollars in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last month.

The 12-year-old, bidding to become the first dual winner of the world?s greatest chase since Red Rum, is set to carry just 1lb below the top-weight.

Cloudy Lane cemented his place at the head of the ante-post market with an emphatic victory in the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday, beating fellow Aintree hopefuls Mr Pointment, Ungaro, Lankawi and Joes Edge. The Donald McCain-trained gelding is currently 6/1 favourite with the Tote.

Last year?s runner-up McKelvey made his first appearance of the season on the same Doncaster card, finishing a creditable eighth over hurdles. Trainer Peter Bowen has the most entries remaining with 11 still engaged, including last year?s John Smith?s Topham Chase winner Dunbrody Millar.

Latest Tote Prices: 6 Cloudy Lane, 10 Snowy Morning, 14 Bewleys Berry, Butler´s Cabin, 16 Mr Pointment, Point Barrow, Simon, Slim Pickings, 20 Comply Or Die, Hedgehunter, McKelvey, Turko, 25 Chelsea Harbour, Knowhere, Parsons Legacy, 28 Bar.