Marlborough heads Martell field

The weights for the Martell Cognac Grand National on Saturday look set to rise by 2lbs following the declaration of top-weight Marlborough to run at Aintree tomorrow.

Nicky Henderson’s 11-year-old, who runs in the colours of Robert Ogden, heads a field of seven for the Martell Cognac Cup Chase, the feature event on the first day of the prestigious meeting.

Francois Doumen has also opted to run fellow National contender First Gold tomorrow.

Opposition to Marlborough in tomorrow’s £150,000 (€217,000) highlight is led by the Paul Nicholls-trained Valley Henry, a gallant fourth in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup on his latest start, a race in which Marlborough, runner-up in the King George VI Chase, disappointed.

Commanche Court, runner-up in the Gold Cup last year and sixth this time around, is one of two Irish representatives along with More Than A Stroll.

The field is completed by Barton, twice a winner at this meeting, and Lady Cricket.