Rachael Blackmore to ride defending champ Minella Times in 2022 Grand National

Henry de Bromhead has confirmed the dream team will be reunited at Aintree on Saturday with Rachael Blackmore set to ride Minella Times in the Randox Grand National.

Blackmore made history on the JP McManus-owned gelding in the race last year when she became the first female rider to win the world's most famous jumps race, a momentous victory which saw her profile soar to a different stratosphere in the aftermath.

Minella Times will have top weight in this year's race, running off a 15lb higher rating than the one he was successful off last year, and he has failed to complete in either start this season.

5.15 Aintree Saturday: Randox Grand National racecard and betting

He fell three out in the John Durkan won by Allaho and was pulled up in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

However, despite those below-par efforts, De Bromhead thinks he has Minella Times back in the same sort of form as he was heading into last year's race.

The trainer said: "Rachael will ride Minella Times and he's back showing me all the right signs at home. Now, in saying that, I thought I had him back going into the Leopardstown race as well and he disappointed me, but he definitely seems to be back to himself this time.

Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore pose with the Grand National trophy in 2021Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He loved it last year, but he's obviously gone up a good bit in the ratings so it's not going to be easy for him."

When asked about his expectations for Saturday, De Bromhead replied: "I'd love to see him come back to form and run his race. If he ran well and came home in one piece I'd be delighted. Anything else would be a bonus."

De Bromhead, who trained the 1-2 last year with Balko Des Flos following Minella Times home, could also be represented by Court Maid, Poker Party and Plan Of Attack, although the latter needs plenty to come out to get a run.

Minella Times was an 11-1 shot when winning the race 12 months ago, but he is as big as 16-1 with bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power this time around.

The yard are also set to bring a strong supporting team to Aintree for the Grand National meeting, and Captain Guinness will try two and half miles for the first time in the Marsh Chase on Friday, a move his trainer is intrigued by.

Captain Guinness: stepping up in trip at AintreeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "We're looking forward to stepping Captain Guinness up in trip and it will be really interesting to see how he gets on. We purposely skipped Cheltenham this year to wait for Aintree instead so let's hope it works out."

The trainer also thinks two-time Grade 1 winner Notebook will be suited by the test the Topham presents on Friday.

He said: "You would imagine Notebook should love the National fences in the Topham. That sort of jumping test is right up his street, and he goes there in really good form."

Randox Grand National (Aintree, April 9)

Ladbrokes: 8 Delta Work, Any Second Now, Snow Leopardess, 10 Enjoy D'Allen, Escaria Ten, 12 Eclair Surf, 14 Fiddlerontheroof, Minella Times, 16 Burrows Saint, Longhouse Poet, Run Wild Fred, 20 bar

Big-race tips: why this horse can win the Grand National at Aintree

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