Owner JP McManus has five horses set to line up in the race on Saturday, Capodanno, I Am Maximus, Janidil, Meetingofthewaters and Limerick Lace, and he recently talked up the latter’s chances to ITV Racing. Asked about who he fancies the most of the quintet, the esteemed owner replied: “They are all fit and well and had good preparations, so I wouldn’t stop anyone from backing any of the four of them.

“I had a few quid on Limerick Lace at 25/1. I thought she’s gone up five or six points in future handicaps, and I think something from the bottom of the handicap might do well with the conditions the way they are.”

Cromwell also talked up her chances, saying: “She jumps well, so hopefully she’ll take the fences. She was second in the Troytown in Navan back in November and stayed well that day over three miles on testing going. I know the National is a bit further again, but the Troytown is a big stamina race and she did stay well, so hopefully she can stay a bit further. She certainly handles soft ground and she’s very clear-winded, but the softer the ground, the more stamina that’s needed. Hopefully, she can stay.”