THE week of the Irish Grand National and Randox Grand National at Aintree started with a seismic 150/1 shock at Fairyhouse, so it may not be the best advice to rule out any of the 40 runners that go to post on Merseyside today.

In forming a shortlist, personal experience has suggested it wise to consider contenders which have previously been competitive in one of the higher-profile well-contested Nationals while also considering the speed ratings which form the basis of all my race analysis.