OLD-TIMER Hedgehunter can defy the odds to cement his place in John Smith's Grand National history at Aintree on Saturday (4.15).

His chances were written off after last year's race when he could only finish ninth behind Silver Birch.

That performance was in sharp contrast to his magnificent victory in 2005 and his gallant second 12 months later, while he was still in contention when falling at the final fence on his first attempt at the world's greatest race in 2004.

As he was hampered twice late on last year, when a knee injury affected his build-up, ninth place was not too rusty.

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And all has gone to plan for the top weight this time. He wound up his preparations by finishing second to a Fistfullofdollars at Fairyhouse in February and will again be partnered by big-race specialist Ruby Walsh.

Despite his claims, all the attention this year has been focused on one of the other two entries carrying the green and yellow colours of Blackpool Tower owner Trevor Hemmings, hot favourite Cloudy Lane. This eight-year-old, trained in Cheshire by Ginger McCain's son Donald, has been trading as low as 5-1 this week, in the belief that the stable has unearthed another Red Rum.

Cloudy Lane, though, is nothing like his illustrious predecessor according to McCain junior.

"He is more like Amberleigh House, our 2004 winner, than Red Rum in appearance, a small, athletic horse," said the trainer, who also warned punters not to disregard his other entry Idle Talk, Hemmings' other runner.

"Everything is fine for both of them and the ground should suit Cloudy Lane perfectly," McCain added.

Cloudy Lane jumped to the top of the market when galloping away with the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster, attacking his fences with zest and leaving previous ante-post favourite, Mr Pointment, trailing in his wake.

He is the best-handicapped horse in the race as his last two wins came after the National weights were published. But his price is too short for a horse who could be a better proposition next year.

Irish horses are bidding for a four-timer and with last year's third Slim Pickings, plus the improving King Johns Castle among their challengers, have high hopes of success once more.

Supporters of Simon and Bewleys Berry, though, can claim that the result 12 months ago would have been different if that pair had kept their feet.

Simon had been bowling along happily in the lead until falling six fences from home while Bewleys Berry had cleared the first 21 obstacles with consummate ease until crumpling on landing at Becher's second time around.

Idle Talk, who seems to have got over the habit of unseating his jockey, only lasted until the 19th fence last year when L'Ami was well behind Hedgehunter in 10th spot but is better handicapped this season.

Trainer Francois Doumen also fields L'Ami's half-brother Kelami (pulled up 12 months ago) in a bid to end a French famine stretching back to 1867. while other horses to take from last year's race are runner-up McKelvey and fourth Philson Run.

Dun Doire, sneaking in the field after the withdrawal of Cornish Rebel yesterday, is fancied to improve on a below-par run when pulling up 12 months ago, while Point Barrow should learn from his first fence fall.

Of the National newcomers, Comply Or Die comes here with his stamina underlined by his win in Newcastle's Eider Chase while Mon Mome looked to be nearing his peak at Cheltenham.

It all adds up to a fascinating race but Hedgehunter can sound one last hurrah.

PETER LEVY'S PICK: 1 Hedgehunter, 2 Slim Pickings, 3 King Johns Castle, 4 Mon Mome

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