'We're in the lap of the gods as to whether we get in' - nervy wait for Lavelle

Emma Lavelle is praying that Classic Chase winner Eclair Surf will be able to sneak into the Randox Grand National field and lead a two-pronged attack on the Aintree spectacular next Saturday.

Lavelle is already guaranteed to be represented by 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy winner De Rasher Counter, who is "flying" in his preparations, but she is eager for Eclair Surf to take his place too, with a nervy week ahead for connections to see if he gets in.

The eight-year-old is as short as 25-1 for the Grand National, but needs seven horses to come out and Lavelle admits a tilt at the race this year is in the balance.

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"We're in the lap of the gods as to whether we get in. You know by the nature of the race that you need a horse that's highly rated to get in and it is uber-competitive. It's hard to think that a horse rated 143 might not get in," she said.

"That's what the race is nowadays and the modifications have made a big difference to how the race is run, which means better horses are prepared to run in it. It's become an incredibly competitive and high-class race.

Emma Lavelle: could be double-handed in the Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's in brilliant form and I couldn't be happier with him at home. He's a very forward-going horse and that definitely hasn't changed, but he's in good shape and ready for Saturday if we get the chance to go."

Eclair Surf showed his wide-margin win at Warwick was no fluke when runner-up to Win My Wings in the Eider Chase on his last start, form boosted by the latter's victory in the Scottish Grand National, and Lavelle believes the Grand National test will bring out the best in her star, whether that be this year or in 2023.

She added: "He's not a slow horse and gets quick out of the gates, but he's shown he's a genuine stayer too in the Eider. He's got a very good profile but the only concern is the fact he can miss the odd fence. Clearly, in the National you don't get that chance.

"He's got better and better as the season has progressed though. He's jumped beautifully over National fences at home too.

"If we don't go there, he's in the bet365 Gold Cup, so we just have to get him ready. I just hope that we do get the opportunity, but if we don't he's only eight and we'll wait until next year."

De Rasher Counter 'absolutely flying'

Lavelle reported stablemate De Rasher Counter has been sparkling in his preparations at home for his Aintree assignment, for which he races off the same mark as he did when winning the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury more than two years ago.

De Rasher Counter finished a distant fourth in the Denman Chase on his return from a 489-day layoff, but the trainer was thrilled with his comeback and has been aiming the ten-year-old at the National since he returned from injury.

De Rasher Counter: 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy winner is set to race at AintreeCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"He's absolutely flying. He did a super bit of work this morning and everything has been geared around the National this season," she said.

"The Denman was very much a prep race for this and we've been able to put him away since. He's done plenty of schooling and we're delighted where he's at.

"He won a Ladbrokes Trophy off 149 and he's now in a National off that mark. He's definitely where we want him to be and we just need that luck in running. The National might look great on paper, but anything can happen on the day!"

Read more on the Grand National:

'I'm really positive about him' – O'Neill confident Cloth Cap can run big race

Dan Skelton: every National has a story – maybe it's a teenager this year!

'We've worked hard to sweeten him up' – Minella Times primed for Aintree return

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