Powerful National squads for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls has a powerful 10-strong team entered in the John Smith’s Grand National as he continues his quest for his first trainers’ championship.

His squad in the April 8 highlight includes Cornish Rebel, beaten a short head in the Scottish version, Silver Birch, who was ante-post favourite for last year’s race before being ruled out with slight heat in a leg, and 2005 second Royal Auclair.