Aintree army: Gordon Elliott could saddle 12 in awesome Grand National assault

Gordon Elliott could smash his mentor Martin Pipe's record for runners in the Grand National by saddling as many as 12 runners in Saturday's Randox Health-sponsored marathon after the Cullentra trainer narrowed down his 19 entries to the likely contenders on Sunday.

Pipe sent a quarter of the 40 runners to post in the 2001 edition won by Red Marauder and while Elliott has ruled out Alpha Des Obeaux, Shattered Love and The Storyteller, and said Mala Beach needs rain, last year's winning trainer revealed the rest of his 15 entries, headed by favourite Tiger Roll, could all line up if they get in.

Out Sam (number 62 on ballot list), Borice (70) and Measureofmydreams (71) look unlikely to make the cut, but Elliott has 13 of the top 40, and 16 of the top 50, so his team could be as big as 12.

"Shattered Love and The Storyteller won't run. Alpha Des Obeaux is out too as he has pulled a muscle, while Mala Beach's participation depends on the ground and he might need some rain.

"Everything else is being aimed at the race and we'll run whatever gets in," Elliott confirmed to the Racing Post on Sunday afternoon.

Tiger Roll is no bigger than 9-2 – he is 7-2 with most firms – and Elliott reports the defending champion to be in rude health ahead of his repeat bid.

Watch: Tiger Roll win the 2018 Randox Health Grand National

"Would I back Tiger Roll at 7-2? Probably not. But I have only positive things to report about him. He's in absolutely great form and his preparation has been brilliant, it couldn't have gone any better," Elliott said.

Tiger Roll at home in Cullentra House StablesCredit: Patrick McCann

Robbie Power has been booked to ride American Grand National winner Jury Duty, who has been slashed into 16-1 by Paddy Power in recent days.

"Jury Duty is flying at the moment and I couldn't be any happier with him," Elliott said.

Whether Apple's Jade will tackle the Betway Aintree Hurdle on Thursday depends on a crucial Monday morning workout, while similar comments apply to Samcro, who is set to go chasing next season.

"We won't be making a decision on Apple's Jade until Monday lunchtime. We'll work her in the morning and then have a chat and see what's the best thing to do. It's the same with Samcro." Elliott said.

Big numbers

Dallas Des Pictons found one too good in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, but Elliott believes he is one of his best chances of the week in the Grade 1 Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle.

Elliott said: "It was unfortunate that Dallas Des Pictons just bumped into one at Cheltenham, but I think the step up to three miles at Aintree will suit him. He'll definitely stay as he won over the trip at Leopardstown and this looks the the right race for him. He's in great form."

Dallas Des Pictons (centre): Cheltenham runner-up on course for Grade 1 novice hurdleCredit: Caroline Norris

Elliott also believes the flat track will play to the strengths of Mengli Khan in the Grade 1 Devenish Manifesto Novices' Chase on Thursday, where he could renew rivalry with Defi Du Seuil.

"I was thrilled with Mengli Khan at Cheltenham, he travelled and jumped beautifully. I would imagine the track at Aintree would be tailor-made for him and hopefully he goes there with a decent chance," he said.

Felix Desjy will run in the Grade 1 Betway Top Novices' Hurdle on Friday, while Daylight Katie received a positive mention ahead of her tilt at the Grade 2 mares' bumper on Thursday.

"Daylight Katie is a very, very good mare. David Dunsdon will ride her in that," Elliott confirmed.

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