McCain growing in confidence

Donald McCain admits he can see why Cloudy Lane is such a red-hot favourite for the John Smith’s Grand National.

The son of Ginger “Mr Aintree” McCain has made a fantastic start to his training career with two Cheltenham Festival winners in the bag in his first two years.

McCain’s father secured four Grand Nationals, winning three times with the legendary Red Rum and then famously again in 2004 with Amberleigh House.

And with Cloudy Lane as low as 11-2 with some bookmakers, many people believe there will be another McCain added to the illustrious role of honour on Saturday.

“There aren’t really any similarities between him and Red Rum because Red was one of his own but there is a bit with Amberleigh House,” said McCain.

“They are both pretty small horses and very professional in their work and on the track.

“I don’t think any horse should be 6-1 for the National five weeks before the race like he was, but I can also see that the bookmakers didn’t really have a choice because he is 20lb well-in.

“Nothing has really come out of the pack, apart from David Pipe’s horse (Comply Or Die) who won at Newcastle, so it’s a case of finding one to back against him,” McCain told At The Races.

“I wouldn’t put anyone off backing Idle Talk each-way either.”