McCain plans triple National assault

Trainer Donald McCain is hoping to be triple-handed in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

McCain landed the race with Ballabriggs two years ago and he is one of four still engaged for the Cheshire handler at this stage.

Weird Al and Across The Bay, who both had a spin at Aintree on yesterday morning, are also intended runners at this stage although McCain has a different plan in mind with Cloudy Lane, who would struggle to get a run anyway off a weight of just 9st 10lb.