“He’s a good horse, he’s been second in a SunAlliance and fourth in the Scottish National. He’s been in the race twice now and it was only the ground that beat him when he was fourth in the Becher Chase earlier in the season.”
Two-time winning jockey Walsh confirmed he will partner the Paul Nicholls-trained My Will, who is currently the 8-1 favourite with several firms including William Hill, totesport and Stan James. Nicholls has never won the National and as well as My Will he will saddle Eurotrek, Big Fella Thanks and Cornish Sett.
Irish jockey Walsh, who landed the National aboard Papillon (2000) and Hedgehunter (2005), said: “I’ve had a fair few sleepless nights over this one but I’ve finally decided to go with My Will. Last week I was trying to pick my way through seven possible rides because, at the National, so much depends on the weather and the going.
“I’ve been watching the weather forecast closely and it looks like it’s going to be pretty good. So I’ve gone for My Will.”
Evan Williams thinks State Of Play is back to his best ahead of the National.
The nine-year-old, who won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup three years ago, has not been seen since finishing fourth at Wetherby on Boxing Day. After he won the Charlie Hall Chase on his seasonal reappearance in November at Wetherby, Williams has purposely kept him fresh for a tilt at the National.
State Of Play is a best-priced 16-1 chance with Ladbrokes, Coral and Sportinbet and Williams said: “The Grand National has always been my target as it is one of these big handicaps during the spring. He has to be fresh and that’s why he hasn’t run since Christmas.
“He is very, very well and as good as I’ve ever had him and it’s like training a different animal when he’s fresh.”
Last year’s winner Comply Or Die was also among the 74 horses left in the National yesterday.
Meanwhile War Of Attrition was last night ruled out of the Grand National despite being declared yesterday.
Mouse Morris’ 10-year-old had been a 12-1 chance with Ladbrokes but the trainer will now rely on last season’s Irish National winner Hear The Echo.
Morris said: “We weren't 100% happy with War Of Attrition this morning and we've decided against sending him to Aintree.
“Hear The Echo is 110% and he will be our runner in the National.”
