/ Editor / 07 March 2007 /

Longshanks remains on course for the John Smith's Grand National after the latest forfeit stage, which left 106 horses in the Aintree showpiece.

Trained by the now-Gloucestershire-based Kim Bailey, who won the race in 1990 with Mr Frisk, Longshanks has been balloted out of two Nationals but fears that he may miss the cut again are fading fast.

There are now just 46 horses above Longshanks, whose two previous visits to Aintree have resulted in placed efforts in the Topham Trophy, in the weights with a maximum of 40 runners allowed to enter the race.

Bailey has given the horse just one run this season, an impressive 11-length success at Newbury, and plans to complete the horse's preparation with a couple of racecourse gallops.

The trainer revealed: "It is five and a half weeks away and we are on schedule. It has been our plan for three years to run in the National and I am very much looking forward to the race."

Longshanks can be backed at 32 in the Betfair ante-post market. Recent Eider Chase winner Nil Desperandum remains the favourite on 12.5.

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