Punters push 2010 hero into 12-1 as field declared

Don't Push It attempts to become the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back John Smith's Grand Nationals when he faces a maximum field at Aintree tomorrow.

Plenty have put up a bold fight in a bid to win the famous race again, but all have failed. The victory of Jonjo O'Neill's Don't Push It provided perennial champion jockey Tony McCoy with his first win in the race from his 15th attempt, landing a huge public gamble. There are plenty of punters who think he will follow up and totesport have him as third-favourite at 12-1.

"The Midnight Club currently heads the National market at the final declaration stage, but there is a real head of steam building behind Don't Push It and the McCoy factor may well ensure he goes off favourite," said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

O'Neill issued an upbeat bulletin ahead of his bid for history by saying: "He's in great form, he's had a good prep and he's very well in himself."

McCoy added: "He seems in good shape and I thought he ran a nice race in the Pertemps at Cheltenham - his form has been progressing."

Silver By Nature has been talked of in terms of a Grand National horse for a couple of years and connections have been persuaded to take a chance this year.

His Milnathort-based trainer Lucinda Russell is in great form at present and is happy to run the grey after he booked his ticket with a fine win at Haydock. "We made our minds up to come here after Haydock. His owner Geoff Brown was never worried about having a runner in the National, he just wanted one to be competitive," she said, adding: "He was there the day the horse was foaled and he adores him."

Jimmy Moffatt's Chief Dan George just missed out by two for a run 12 months ago after he had won at Cheltenham and while he's not in the same form this year, Moffatt feels he is coming to hand. "He missed out by two last year and (handicapper] Phil Smith told me that if he had got in, he would probably have gone off favourite," said Moffatt. "If he gets into a rhythm over the first three or four fences and jumps well, he should go well."

The McCain family will always be associated with the race following the exploits of Red Rum and Donald, former trainer Ginger's son, has a live chance with Ballabriggs. "Ballabriggs wouldn't want either extreme of ground, but good or good to soft would be absolutely fine," said McCain.

There were three withdrawals at the 48-hour declaration stage - the Irish-trained duo of Northern Alliance and Our Monty while Nigel Twiston-Davies also took out Roll Along. That means Nicky Richards' Skippers Brig and Adrian Maguire's Golden Kite are guaranteed a run. Four reserves were also declared - Always Waining, Faasel, Le Beau Bai and Giles Cross.