CLOUDY LANE has been left to carry top weight in the John Smith’s Grand National after the latest forfeit stage, while Ruby Walsh confirmed he will partner My Will in the Aintree showpiece on Saturday.

Donald McCain’s nine-year-old would have to emulate the great Red Rum – trained by his father Ginger – and become the first horse to win with top weight in 32 years.

Cloudy Lane will carry 11st10lb after the weights rose by 3lb at the five-day confirmation stage with the expected defections of Snoopy Loopy and Nozic.

Red Rum carried top weight of 12st in the second and third victories of his famous hat-trick in 1974 and 1977.

And while McCain admitted it will be a tough task for the Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding – who finished sixth behind Comply Or Die last year – it was what he expected.

The Cholmondeley-based handler said: “I knew it was happening so we just have to get on with it. There’s nothing we can do and the horse is very well.

“He had a racecourse spin the other day at Bangor after racing and he was grand. He and Idle Talk went round and did it really well. It was very good of the racecourse. They both enjoyed themselves and are in great nick.”

Cloudy Lane was sent off the 7-1 co-favourite with eventual winner Comply Or Die last year, but he is now a best-priced 40-1 chance with Ladbrokes and William Hill for Saturday’s 4m4f marathon.

McCain added: “Cloudy Lane has been round there before and last year it was only his second season over fences. He’s got more experience now and in good races.”

Idle Talk, on the other hand has to carry 10st5lb, and will bid to improve on his 14th place last year.

McCain added: “This has been the plan all year for him and he was more of a disappointment last year than Cloudy Lane.

“I expected him to finish really strongly and he didn’t.

“He’s run a couple of nice races this season and his prep in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster was a real solid run and I think he goes there with a good each-way chance.