Paul Nicholls’ Tricky Trickster remains at the head of the ante-post betting for the John Smith’s Grand National following the publication of the weights.

Denman’s part-owner Paul Barber has revealed the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could make an earlier than anticipated return to the track in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on January 17.

Bookmakers can see little danger to Kauto Star in the Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday.