Cusack hopeful with D'Albain Liam Cusack hopes previous experience of the big Aintree fences will stand Last Time D'Albain in good stead in today's Crabbie's Grand National. The 10-year-old was third to fellow National contenders Triolo D'Alene and Walkon in the Topham at this meeting 12 months ago. "We're hopeful the trip will suit in the National. The Topham trip might just be a bit too sharp for him nowadays and he stayed the three miles very well in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown last season," said Cusack. "We're a bit in the dark when it comes to the distance, but so are a lot of other horses in the race. He showed that he liked the fences last year. He jumps well, so if he gets into a nice rhythm then he could easily run a big race. He's definitely the best horse I've had so far." Buckers Bridge is a potentially interesting contender for trainer Henry de Bromhead. A Grade Two winner as a novice, he secured his place when running a good race to be third to Gold Cup second On His Own in the Bobbyjo Chase. De Bromhead said: "He's not run there before, but he seems in good form and we're hoping for a good run. We've tried him over the National style-fences and we were happy enough with him."
