Maguire on standby for Amberleigh

Jason Maguire is on standby to take the ride on ante-post favourite Amberleigh House in next month's John Smith’s Grand National.

The 13-year-old was partnered by Graham Lee when he won the Aintree marathon last year and he is currently the 10-1 market leader with Ladbrokes.

Lee rode the horse on his first three starts this season but he was unavailable for Amberleigh House's two subsequent starts, so Tony Dobbin took over at Wetherby in February, while Maguire was on board at Doncaster last time.

Lee could face a difficult decision as his boss Howard Johnson may run Grey Abbey in the National, leaving the rider to pick between the two.

McCain thinks it should be an easy choice for Lee, given that Grey Abbey is a general 20-1 shot.

He told At The Races: “I cannot think he would be so daft as to get off the horse. He owes it to the horse to ride him – and never mind Mr Johnson, or anybody else.

“That aside, if he wants to get off the favourite for the National, the horse with the very best chance, then it’s up to him.

“I would be disappointed if he did, but if he does, subject to discussion with Mr Halewood, Jason will ride him.”

Dobbin would usually be second-choice rider for the horse, but he is already committed to riding Just In Debt for Martin Todhunter.

McCain added: “Jason has been riding a lot for us recently and I have great respect for him as a jockey and a person. Obviously Tony Dobbin would have taken the ride, but I couldn’t commit to him then because I thought Graham would be riding.

“I would be disappointed if he doesn’t, simply because we could have had Tony, who has ridden the horse around Liverpool.

“You could say it’s a bit naughty, but he’s got a big job with Howard Johnson at the moment and he’s got to look after that, that goes without saying, but you don’t get many chances to win Grand Nationals.

“He’s already won one and he’s got a favourite’s chance to have another, so he wants to pull his finger out and make his mind up.”