Aintree preview: Barry Cash will have just the second Grand National ride of his career on Marcus Du Berlais, but the bookmakers at least reckon his major chance of Grade One success will come on Brave Inca in the earlier Aintree Hurdle.

The Colm Murphy-trained horse has been placed in all five of his races this season, including a gallant third to Hardy Eustace in the Champion Hurdle. In all the hoopla over Harchibald's effort, or alleged lack of, at Cheltenham, Brave Inca's run was slightly ignored, but after running wide for most of the way he kept on resolutely to be beaten by just two necks.

The obvious conclusion was to believe that the extra half mile at Liverpool would be ideal and as a result Brave Inca clashes with the Stayers' champion Inglis Drever, who drops back from three miles, as well as some old rivals from earlier in the season.

Macs Joy actually finished ahead of Brave Inca three times before Cheltenham when a mistake at the second last wiped out his chance. This flat track should be more suitable for Barry Geraghty's mount and, crucially, so could the way the race is run.

Both Brave Inca and Inglis Drever will be hoping for a fast pace, but it's hard to see who will provide it and carving out the running themselves will hardly be ideal. Accordion Etoile and Macs Joy are sure to be held up and over this trip Rooster Booster is likely to be restrained also. If there is no significant overnight rain conditions could just suit Macs Joy best of all.

The Nicky Henderson team bounced back to form with a vengeance at the Cheltenham Festival and now they are in full health again his horses are to be feared. Grande Jete threw away her County Hurdle chance with a mistake at the last and has a shout in the first while if any of the Arkle principals are feeling the effects of the festival, Saintsaire can reap the benefits in the Grade One Maghull Chase.

Henderson has The Market Man in the Listed handicap hurdle, but the Irish could have a threat here in the shape of Healy's Pub. This one came right back to his best with a defeat of Tasman at Fairyhouse and the form has been boosted by the runner-up since.

Avoca Mist and Khudabad fly the Irish flag in the Grade Two bumper, but they face a huge task against the Jonjo O'Neill-trained mare Refinement. Kieren Fallon rode her at Cheltenham and reported afterwards he might have won had he known Refinement better. With McCoy on board now there should be no need for excuses.