SEE MORE TOPS NATIONAL WEIGHTS See More Business was today handed a gilt-edged invitation to the Martell Grand National. The 1999 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup and dual King George VI Chase winner topped weights unveiled this morning for 126 qualified entries in the world`s most famous chase on 12st. But he has been set to meet most of his rivals on terms between 6lb and 8lb better than in an ordinary handicap, judged on latest published British Horseracing Board ratings. Chase handicapper Phil Smith, reluctant to give the top-weight more than 12st, has used his discretion to ensure 39 horses feature on or above the minimum of 10st - as opposed to around a dozen had he stuck to the ratings. Trainer Paul Nicholls said: 'It is quite interesting what they have done with See More Business. 'The situation is that he is unlikely to run as Cheltenham is first and foremost and we haven`t thought any further ahead than that. 'But he has got an entry so it is a possibility and I wouldn`t rule it out completely. The handicapper has been very, very fair - he is tempting us to run.' The Willie Mullins-trained Florida Pearl comes next on 11-13, just 4lb clear of Alexander Banquet who pays for chasing home his stable-companion in last Sunday`s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown. Other Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes among the top-weights include Marlborough (11-6) and Beau (11-1). Last year`s winner Papillon is 10-10, with runner-up Mely Moss on 9-10 and 1999 scorer Bobbyjo on 10-2. Backers of leading ante-post fancy Noble Lord will be hoping the weights rise as he is currently out of the handicap on 9-10. The 'Aintree factor' means higher weights relative to their official marks for horses such as last year`s fourth Brave Highlander (9-0) and former Becher Chase winner Feels Like Gold (9-1). Seven horses among the original entry of 133 failed to qualify as they failed to meet the minimum requirement of a BHB mark of 110. First forfeit stage for the race is a fortnight today.
