Dobbin Bullish About Access Chances

Tony Dobbin believes he has the best chance of Grand National glory this year since he won the race with Steve Brookshaw's Lord Gyllene in 1997.

Dobbin will partner the Nicky Richards-trained Direct Access in the four-and-a-half-mile race having finished ninth aboard Just In Debt in 2005.

Richards' 11-year-old will line up for the John Smith's-sponsored marathon off only 10st 6lb ? despite producing a most taking performance to beat National rival Risk Accessor by six lengths in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last November.

The ex-Len Lungo inmate has not been seen on a racecourse since, but Dobbin reports the Roselier gelding to be in top form ahead of Saturday's race.

'I think I've got my best chance since I won it,' declared the jockey.

'I rode him this morning and he is in perfect condition. We are obviously carrying a nice weight and you can't really ignore him by the form either.

'Nicky is delighted with him. He needs to have it rattling good ground to be at his best I think but he is progressing really nicely.

'It only hits you on the Thursday how big the National is.

'The build-up is as exciting as the race itself in many ways and this year will be no exception.'

? PA Sport