Racing:Tony McCoy has smashed virtually every record in the book in what has been a brilliant career. But there is one glaring omission from his otherwise glittering CV - a win in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.
The perennial champion jockey will try to put that right at the 12th attempt today when he partners the Francois Doumen-trained L'Ami.
Third is the best McCoy has managed so far and he said philosophically: "If it happens, it happens, and if it doesn't, it doesn't.
"The National is a unique race and however good a jockey you are - and there have been better than me - unless you have the right horse, you won't win.
"It would be great if L'Ami could do it and he certainly has the class. His best run was when finishing second to Kauto Star in a small field in the Aon Chase at Newbury, and I was disappointed with his run in the Gold Cup (where he finished seventh).
"But he was fourth in a Gold Cup two seasons ago and if he takes to the fences, gets into a rhythm with his jumping and gets some luck in running, I think he has a very good chance, despite his big weight.
"Frankie (Dettori) is still waiting to win his first Derby, but he has it easy - no fences in the way and he doesn't have to contend with 39 others getting in his way."
Horses definitely got in the way of McCoy in 2005 when Clan Royal was carried out at Becher's on the second circuit when still travelling strongly at the head of affairs.
Third for McCoy last year, Clan Royal will this time be partnered by crack amateur JT McNamara.
His trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "We sent him to Enda Bolger's yard in Limerick and JT took him out hunting and played about with him.
"He seemed to enjoy that and although he's a year older and it's hard to say how much ability he retains, if he is as good as in the last few years he could run well. It's a funny old race and you never know."
Ferdy Murphy is praying Joes Edge gets the necessary breaks when he lines up among what will be a 40-strong field.
The former Scottish National hero enjoyed some exercise on the beach at Redcar earlier in the week as the final touches were put to his preparations for the four-and-a-half-mile showpiece.
Joes Edge will not have such a relaxing time at Aintree, but Middleham trainer Murphy has been delighted with his charge in the build-up and just hopes lady luck will now smile on the general 9-1 favourite.
"Everything has gone fine at home and now we just need all the luck," Murphy said.
"We can't moan about the ground or anything like that as everything is in his favour and I wouldn't interfere with Graham's (Lee) riding plans.
"Graham has won the race before so I'll leave it to him. We just need the luck of the race now."
No horse has managed to land back-to-back renewals since Aintree legend Red Rum achieved the feat in 1973-74.
Martin Brassil's Numbersixvalverde will attempt to put that record straight and connections are making the right noises.
"I'm really looking forward to it and hoping he'll run well," said owner Bernie Carroll.
"He stayed on well last time and that was on the one ground he really wouldn't like as it was really tacky.
"That run kind of woke him up a bit, but he's as good as he ever was, I can tell you that for sure.
"11st 3lb could be the problem, but if he gets around safe you never know what he might do.
"There's two others in there that I quite fancy and they are Point Barrow and Idle Talk."
Point Barrow has found himself towards the head of ante-post lists for some time and has reportedly settled in well after making the trek across the Irish Sea.
"He's eaten up and never turned a hair," said trainer Pat Hughes, who hopes Aintree continue to water in the absence of much-needed rain.
"As for tactics, in a race like this the jockey has to play it by ear as anything can happen."
Simon has only won on good to soft or easier going but trainer John Spearing believes the well-watered ground will be fine for his progressive Racing Post Chase winner, who runs in the colours of Mercy Rimell, whose husband Fred trained four National winners.
"The ground will be all right for him, I think he'll act on it OK. He doesn't need really soft ground," said Spearing.
"Everything has gone to plan so hopefully it will all go to plan tomorrow. If we get a bit of luck I think he'll run very well.
"I think he'll take to the fences but you never know until you actually get here. Andrew (Thornton) will ride him as he finds it."