Big Fella has big chance, says Ruby

RUBY WALSH is hoping Big Fella Thanks’ previous run in the John Smith’s Grand National will not have an adverse effect on his prospects when he returns to Aintree on Saturday.

The gelding, trained by Paul Nicholls, ran a tremendous race for a novice when sixth to Mon Mome last April and is ante-post favourite following his recent victory at Newbury.

That success prompted Walsh to choose him over stablemate Tricky Trickster after the latter disappointed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.