MASTER OATS will have to concede his rivals at least a stone if he lines up for the Martell Grand National a fortnight on Saturday.
The 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner heads the Aintree handicap on 11st 10lb following yesterday's publication of the field after the second forfeit stage, at which original top weight Dublin Flyer was withdrawn.
Next highest weighted acceptors are Challenger du Luc and Nahthen Lad, both unplaced in the Gold Cup, who each have 10st 9lb to carry.
The 10 Irish trained acceptors are headed by Son Of War (10-4), who was still going well when unseating his rider at the 24th fence last year. They also include the Edward O'Grady trained Time For A Run, the subject of a gamble and for whom Norman Williamson has been booked.
Master Oats's participation depends on soft ground at Aintree in his absence the weights would rise by at least 15lb.
Only 54 horses have been left in the National, raising fears that the race will again fall short of a 40 runner maximum field. Only 27 lined up last year.
Encore Un Peu, Superior Finish and Sir Peter Lely second, third and fourth respectively 12 months ago have each been taken out of the race, as has last November's Becher Chase winner Into The Red.
Other notable withdrawals include Gold Cup flop Coome Hill, Christies Foxhunter Chase winner Fantus and Midnight Caller, whose retirement prevents trainer Noel Chance bidding for a Gold Cup Grand National double.
Grand National challengers seeking an ease in the ground received some positive news when the official going was described as on "the easy side of good" with unsettled weather to come.
Ladbrokes promoted Midlands National runner up Lord Gyllene to 9 to 1 clear favourite (from 10-1) but expect 10 to 1 Go Ballistic, the Gold Cup fourth, to take over should trainer John O'Shea commit him to the race.
Avro Anson, Time For A Run and Lo Stregone were each cut from 16 to 1 to 14 to 1, just behind the Greenalls Gold Cup winner Suny Bay, who remains a 12 to 1 chance.
The three day Grand National meeting also promises exciting action from the supporting races with some of the stars of Cheltenham among the entries.
Champion Hurdler Make A Stand is engaged in the Seagram Top Novices' Hurdle, as well as Istabraq and Shadow Leader, which kicks off the fixture. But he is also entered in the Martell Aintree Hurdle, in which he could clash with Collier Bay.
Mr Mulligan is one of seven of the Gold Cup field to have an entry in the Martell Cup. Runner up Barton Bank and One Man, who finished sixth, are also entered.
Champion Chase winner Martha's Son heads the entries for the Mumm Melling Chase.
