Elliott Bullish Over Birch Chance

Gordon Elliott believes there are less questions to be answered by his John Smith's Grand National runner Silver Birch than many of the others in the race.

The 10-year-old used to be trained by Paul Nicholls and has won over the National fences, lifting the 2004 renewal of the Becher Chase.

After winning the Welsh National at Chepstow the same year, Silver Birch was a leading fancy for Aintree before injury ruled him out of the contest.

He never quite recaptured his best in four starts for the champion trainer last year but has been revitalised since switching to Elliott's small yard in County Meath.

'Everything is great, everything is going according to plan, touch wood,' said Elliott.

'The nerves haven't really kicked in yet. I've got a runner in the Fox Hunters on Thursday so we are going to go over on Wednesday.

'He worked Monday morning and he worked better than he ever has, he's in better form than he was before Cheltenham.

'There are no question marks about the trip. He has already won a Welsh National. He jumps well too.

'He's won on good ground as well so there are no worries on that score. If it was firm we would be in trouble but they are watering and they usually do a good job.

'With a clear round I'm sure he'll run a big race, he seems in good nick.

'Robbie Power will ride him unless Jason Maguire became available at the last minute as he has been claimed to ride Idle Talk.'

(C) PA Sport