Walsh to hold court at Aintree with Rince Ri and Commanche
Rince Ri, a 14-1 shot with Cashmans and an eyecatching second at Fairyhouse on Sunday, and 2002 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Commanche Court will hope to emulate Papillon's success in the 200 showpiece,.
"I definitely hope Commanche Court and Rince Ri run at Aintree in the National," said Walsh. "I just hope the handicapper is kind to them.
"One of them will come over to England this weekend (for the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham) probably Rince Ri."
Last year's winner Monty's Pass heads a 30-strong Irish party among the 122 entries
Ireland's challenge is strengthened through the progressive What Odds, who races in the same ownership as last year's hero Monty's Pass, while Willie Mullins has six others to choose from in addition to impressive Thyestes Chase winner Hedgehunter.
Davids Lad and Timbera, winners of the Irish Grand National in 2001 and 2003, add further weight to the challenge from across the Irish Sea.
Six of last year's eight finishers have been entered once more, along with the likes of high-class French raider First Gold, Valley Henry, Harbour Pilot, Fondmort, Artic Jack, What's Up Boys and Swansea Bay.
Clan Royal, one of nine entries for owner JP McManus, and the Ginger McCain-trained Amberleigh House, who finished third in the big race last year, look set to renew rivalry after fighting out a thrilling finish to the Becher Chase over the National fences in November.
Last year's fourth Gunner Welburn is another with strong claims, while an intriguing dark horse is Royal Altalza, a half-brother to Royal Rosa with winning form in France and now owned by Terry Ramsden.
Cashmans bet: 14/1 Rince RÃ, 16/1 Montys Pass, 20/1 Chives, Davids Lad, Bindaree, What Odds, Artic Jack, Timbera, 25/1 Gingembre, Gunther McBride, Hedgehunter, Joss Naylor, Macs Gildoran, Truckers Tavern, Amberleigh House, Clan Royal, Lord Noelle, Bear On Board, Ad Hoc, Gunner Welburn, Southern Star, Janus Du Cochet, 33/1 Commanche Court, Direct Access, First Gold, Haut Cercy, Kingsmark, Mini Sensation, Shotgun Willy, Stormez, Tarxien, Whats Up Boys, Whereareyounow, Akarus, 40/1 Harbour Pilot, Bounce Back, Historg, Knock Knock, Maximise, Marlborough, Montifault, Iznogoud, More Th' A Stroll, Sudden Shock, Cyfor Malta, Jurancon, 50/1 Carbury Cross, Sackville.
Ladbrokes: 16-1 Artic Jack, Hedgehunter, Monty's Pass, 20-1 Bear On Board, Davids Lad, 25-1 Clan Royal, Joss Naylor, Rince Ri, Ad Hoc, Bindaree, Gunther McBride, Haut Cercy, Knock Knock, Lord Noelie, Amberleigh House, Chives, Iris Bleu, 33-1 Shardam, Stormez, Swansea Bay, The Premier Cat, Timbera, Truckers Tavern, What's Up Boys, 40-1 bar.
