Cusack hoping for National service Liam Cusack is hoping for just five more withdrawals from the Crabbie's Grand National to allow Last Time D'Albain to run in the world's greatest steeplechase. The 10-year-old is currently five away from making the cut for the Aintree spectacular on Saturday week, with the five-day confirmation stage coming up on Monday. Last Time D'Albain showed an aptitude for the famous fences last April when third to Triolo D'Alene in the Topham Chase and he also holds an entry in that race again but needs seven horses to come out to get in this time. "The plan is to run (at Aintree), but I'm not sure which race yet. He needs five more to come out to get in the National and seven for him to get into the Topham," said the County Laois trainer. "We are leaning towards the National. One that is definitely coming out of the National is Mossey Joe as he goes for the Fox Hunters', so that leaves four more to come out. "And there's a couple entered at the weekend here in Navan so we'll know more after then. "He ran a cracker in the Topham last year. We were delighted with him, he took to the fences and everything went well. We were giving Triolo D'Alene 5lb and he went on to win the Hennessy (at Newbury). "I haven't had the best of luck with my lad this season, but I'm happy with him and he's in good form. I ran him over hurdles at Gowran last week. The ground was yielding on the Thursday night then it rained and that didn't suit him, but with the season I'd had with him I had to get a prep run into him. "I'm hoping Robbie Colgan will ride him, he rode him last time."
