Williams wants rain at Aintree

Evan Williams is praying for rain at Aintree for his three entries in the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday week.

The Llancarfan trainer reports Cappa Bleu, State Of Play and Deep Purple to be on course for the world’s most famous steeplechase – but has warned rain must fall for them all to take their chance.

“Everything is very good as far as their preparation is concerned,” he said.

“They’ve all done just about their final pieces of work and we’re counting down the days.

“The ground is going to be of massive importance to us because they won’t all run if we don’t get rain, so it’s a matter of seeing what the weather does between now and then. I’d like to see a drop of rain. We desperately need some.

“The National is definitely the first option for all three given the ground conditions coming our way.”

Williams revealed that Paul Moloney, who has steered State Of Play into the first four in the last three Nationals, will be aboard Welsh National third Cappa Bleu this year.

The Welsh trainer has snapped up Noel Fehily for Aintree regular State Of Play, but has yet to book a jockey for Deep Purple.

“If all three run, Paul Moloney will ride Cappa Bleu, Noel Fehily has been booked for State Of Play. We haven’t booked anybody for Deep Purple as of yet,” he added.