Brian O'Connor at Aintree
Even by the standards of the world's most famous horse race today's John Smith's Grand National has enough ingredients boiling up to satisfy even the pickiest once-a-year punter's palate.
Being even slightly involved with Bechers Brook, the Canal Turn and all the other Aintree landmarks might be something else that Charles and Camilla didn't legislate for this weekend, but the royal wedding is turning into extra-sweet sugar for bookmakers.
Almost €400 million is expected to change hands on the National with a lot of it sure to end up riding on last year's runner-up Clan Royal. The other "regal" starter, Royal Auclair, may be an outsider, but the name alone means he is sure to be supported.
As if coincidence backers hadn't enough there is also the fairytale prospect of 33-year-old mother Carrie Ford becoming the first woman to ride the National winner. Twelve other women have tried in the past, but Forest Gunner is a horse with a perfectly reasonable chance. Throw in Ginger McCain's Neanderthal dismissal of Ford as a "broodmare" and there is plenty for the sisterhood to get indignantly profligate about.
In the circumstances then, McCain, the man who trained Aintree's greatest horse, Red Rum, and last year's winner Amberleigh House, is relegated to an unaccustomed supporting role which only proves that this year's National has more angles than the ears of a certain Prince getting hitched down at Windsor.
Irish-trained horses have won 19 times in total, but three of the last six is a tally to make this afternoon's 10-strong challenge one to reckon with.
And as if all that isn't enough there is even the chance of only the third grey horse ever winning the race - and at a big price too! It's this sort of brew that makes the National so special and it's little wonder that the four-and-a-half mile marathon is the race that Willie Mullins wants to win more than any other.
The Co Carlow trainer has won championships and trained champions but if Hedgehunter, who has dominated the ante-post betting for the past week, can come out on top no one will appreciate it more.
"I suppose it's because it's the first race you watch as a kid on television," Mullins said yesterday as he peered anxiously at the bright sunshine that beamed down on Liverpool through the gusts of Arctic wind. It was a combination to sink the spirits of anyone with a soft-ground loving horse, but Mullins is confident that Hedgehunter will be fine on any surface.
"Softer ground might just inconvenience some of the others," he added.
Ruby Walsh is seeking a second National double after winning the Irish version at Fairyhouse less than two weeks ago. But the man, who won here on Papillon five years ago, has a dilemma today.
Hedgehunter's best form has been when ridden up with the pace, but last year he looked out on his feet when eventually falling at the last. If Walsh can get him travelling less free then Hedgehunter will be a danger to all.
Clan Royal has a perfectly reasonable "book" chance of providing Tony McCoy, JP McManus and Jonjo O'Neill with their first wins in the race. However, that same book also brutally records the dismal season O'Neill's horses have endured.
At 13 Amberleigh House is now surely too old while the handicapper looks to have a hold of the other former winners, Monty's Pass and Bindaree.
So on a day when some horses are traditionally described as a housewives choice, why not check out the oldest coincidence bet of all and look at the greys.
Strong Resolve's second in the Welsh National was a fine effort in a traditional trial, but some sustained support earlier this week means he is now one of the favourites.
Significantly the same cannot be said for Marcus Du Berlais.
Arthur Moore's horse ran third in the Irish National just 12 days ago and only squeezed into the race at number 39 of the 40. But he is a dour stayer with the ability to win a Leopardstown Chase earlier this season and he is usually a sound jumper.
"A lot depends on how well he has come out of Fairyhouse but he seems fine," said Moore, who also runs Glenelly Gale, and whose father, Dan, won the National in 1975 with L'Escargot.
Moore Jnr celebrated that day by famously placing his trilby between L'Escargot's ears. If there is any 33 to 1 remaining this morning, Marcus Du Berlais could be an each-way bet to get the old hat out again.
Brian O'Connor's verdict
1 - Marcus Du Berlais
2 - Strong Resolve
3 - Forest Gunner
4 - Hedgehunter