Plenty of Irish among Topham entries Tom George's Big Fella Thanks is among 54 entries for next month's John Smith's Topham Steeple Chase at Aintree. The 11 year old still has the option of running in the Grand National but after finishing seventh, fourth and sixth in three previous attempts, connections may be tempted to drop him back in trip. If they do so, he is likely to clash with Always Waining - also still entered in the National - who has a remarkable record in the two mile five and a half furlong contest, having won the race for the past three years. Trainer Peter Bowen could also be represented by Gullible Gordon and Sizing Santiago. Tim Vaughan is targeting the race with Tartak who boasts some high-class form at Aintree, having captured the Grade Two Manifesto Novices' Chase in April, 2009 as well as finishing fourth in the 2010 and 2011 renewals of the Grade One John Smith's Melling Chase. Vaughan revealed: "Tartak had a stretch and canter yesterday morning and he seems in great old nick. If we can get him in the John Smith's Topham Chase, he will definitely run. "That seems to be his trip and if we get some drying ground, you never know because he seems to be in the form of his life. "He has been running on predominantly the wrong ground all winter and in fairness to him, when he got his ground at Cheltenham last week, he ran an absolute blinder. If he took that forward to Aintree, I would like to think he would have a sensible chance. "The handicapper has given him a chance and, if he gets a bit of luck in running, it looks to be the ideal opportunity for him. We know he likes Aintree and his jumping was exemplary at Cheltenham so I don't think the fences will bother him." Seven-time champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls has five entries, the most of any handler, headed by the unexposed six-year-old Pacha Du Polder. A lot was expected of the French import after a Grade Two victory at Ayr in April and, following three disappointing displays this season, he lived up to his reputation with a gutsy front-running success in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury. Nicholls could also run last year's third Fistral Beach, There's No Panic, Rebel Du Maquis and Criqtonic. Tranquil Sea and White Star Line lead a 13-strong Irish entry which also includes Kim Muir third Romanesco and Willie Mullins' pair Call The Police and Lambro. Other notable entries include Walkon and Nadiya de La Vega (second and third in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November), Little Josh and Planet Of Sound.
