Willie Mullins aims big guns at Aintree

The Crabbie’s Grand National meeting could start with a bang as the imperious Douvan is among 18 entries in the Merseryrail Manifesto Novices’ Chase next Thursday.

And there is the chance that Willie Mullins’ unbeaten Arkle Trophy hero will have to face his biggest field over fences to date.

Mullins has also entered RSA Chase third Shaneshill in the near two-and-a-half-mile Grade One contest, while Nicky Henderson can call on L’Ami Serge and Volnay De Thaix, with JLT faller Garde Le Victoire a possible for Philip Hobbs.