All of the leading fancies remain in the John Smith’s Grand National following the first forfeit stage.

Merchants Friend is reported to be in flying form ahead of his intended run in the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick next week.

TED WALSH is planning a double assault on the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree on April 3.

Ferdy Murphy has mapped out January targets for three of his top handicap chasers, Ballinclay King, Paris Pike and Historg.