NEVER one to rest on his laurels, Gavin Cromwell is already looking ahead to the Grand National where he looks set to field three of the leading contenders for the £1 million Aintree feature two weeks from today.

Speaking to The Irish Field yesterday, the Co Meath trainer confirmed that Stumptown, Perceval Legallois and Vanillier all remain on track to run in the world-famous race on Saturday, April 5th.

Stumptown won the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last week with a little bit in hand and Cromwell says he expects Keith Donoghue will ride the horse again at Aintree. Stumptown is as low as 8/1 for the Grand National.

Vanillier, who finished third in the Cross Country and was unlucky not to finish closer, is due to race off the same mark at Aintree as when he finished second to Corach Rambler in the Grand National two years ago and is a general 10/1 shot. Cromwell said: “He’s off a nice weight and seems in good form. His last two runs have been really good so if he goes I should think he’d have a live chance.”

Perceval Legallois is yet another Cromwell-trained Aintree contender with a serious chance. Unplaced when favourite for both the Galway Plate and Kerry National last year, the horse has been in unbeatable form lately, winning the Paddy Power Chase and a €100,000 handicap hurdle at Leopardstown.

“His stamina is unproven but, on a flat track at Aintree and with his style of running, you would have to be hopeful,” Cromwell said.

Perceval Legallois is owned by J.P. McManus, who will also be represented in the race by last year’s winner I Am Maximus and the unexposed Iroko, both of whom are also prominent in the ante-post betting.

Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, told The Irish Field: “Iroko is a bit of a unknown quantity. Oliver [Greenall] and Josh [Guerriero] have been very patient with him and they are very happy with the horse’s preparation. If he takes to Aintree he could run a huge race.”

I Am Maximus is 8lb higher in the ratings than when winning easily a year ago and will carry top weight. The nine-year-old has only had two outings since his Aintree success, both in Grade 1 races won by Galopin Des Champs, and he never threatened in either contest.

Berry said: “The horse hasn’t sparked in his two runs this season but Willie [Mullins] is very happy with him since his last race.

“I’m sure Paul Townend will again ride I Am Maximus and I expect Mark Walsh will ride Perceval Legallois.”