Madden Upbeat About National Chances Niall ?Slippers' Madden believes Numbersixvalverde will handle the rough-and-tumble of the John Smith's Grand National with consummate ease.Madden takes the plum ride aboard Martin Brassil's 10-year-old, as big-race pilot Ruby Walsh will be aboard Hedgehunter, and is relishing the prospect of tackling the Aintree fences on April 8.'I think he's going to do one more serious bit of work but things have gone great since his last run and I know Martin is very happy with him,' said Madden.'I think Liverpool will suit him. He's had plenty of experience in those big-field handicaps in the past and will enjoy the hurly-burly in the race at Aintree.'It's a big opportunity for me and I can't wait. You hear all this talk about the Aintree fences but I'm just going to take it as it comes.' (C) PA Sport
