BIDDING for our first win since L'Escargot carried Raymond Guest's colours to victory in 1975, this country has a 14 strong entry led by 20 to 1 shot Wylde Hide.
Trainer Mouse Morris, son of former International Olympic Committee president Lord Killanin, said he was delighted with the 9st 9lbs weight given to his entry New Co, although he planned to give him an unorthodox preparation.
"That's a very nice weight and I fully intend to run him," he said. "The ground wouldn't be a worry and I see no reason why he shouldn't take to it as he is quite versatile.
"He runs on Saturday at Gowran Park then will run over hurdles in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham, just to be different!"
Arthur Moore, whose father, Dan, trained the last Irish winner in L'Escargot, confirmed that Feathered Gale, last year's Irish National winner, and Wylde Hide would spearhead his challenge.
Coome Hill's (10-6) participation depends on his ability to negotiate a tried and tested route to Aintree via the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Festival feature was nominated as the number one target by his permit trainer Walter Dennis, with a Liverpool commitment to come afterwards.
Coome Hill is one of a number of live Aintree contenders for whom the Cheltenham Festival is an important stepping-stone.
For Dublin Flyer, the first to be allotted a top weight of 12st at Aintree for five years, the Gold Cup is the prime objective despite previous winning form over National fences. Challenger du Luc and Nahthen Lad are also Festival-bound.
But there are plenty of others for whom Liverpool is likely to be favourite including Master Oats, Couldn't Be Better, Young Hustler, Lo Stregone, Suny Bay, Belmont King, Encore Un Peu and Lord Gyllene.
Last year's runner-up, Encore Un Peu, remains on target despite not having run this season. "He's been trained specially for the National and is entered to run in the Racing Post Chase. I wouldn't worry about his lack of racing. We will get him fit on the day," pledged trainer Martin Pipe.
