Mullins not hedging his bets

WILLIE MULLINS has been pleased with the preparation of his two Martell Cognac Grand National challengers, long-time ante-post favourite Hedgehunter and Alexander Banquet.

He said: "They are both OK. Their preparation has been very good and I'm delighted with them.

"We'd like about four inches of rain for them but we're not going to get it. Both of them have won on goodish ground and I'd be more concerned about a clear passage through the race than the ground."