<p>EVERYONE wants to be on the John Smith's Grand National winner and there's no doubt the majority of punters will fancy favourite Cloudy Lane to show Donald McCain is a chip off the old block.</p>
<p> His dad Ginger having saddled the legendary Red rum to victory here three times as well as Amberleigh House in the twilight of his career.</p>
<p>I would not put anyone off this progressive eight-year-old, whom the official handicapper rates 20lb better for future races, having not had his latest win at Doncaster to consider when compiling his ratings.</p>
<p>That makes him a handicap blot, but Aintree is no a unique course, with its own unique rules and Cloudy Lane has never gone the four and a half miles around it.</p>
<p>Comply or Die has won a marathon slog in the Eider Chase at Newcastle and is very closely handicapped with the favourite, so comes into the reckoning.</p>
<p> But a touch of class is often needed and SIMON looks to be the sort to give the favourite a good run and at 12/1 he is better value.</p>
<p> Owner Mercy Rimmell is steeped in National lore herself as her husband Fred was a trainer who always liked a tilt at this race.</p>
<p>The key form race for me came when SIMON was full of running when unseating his rider in Knowhere's victory over Our Vic in Cheltenham's Racing Post Chase this year - that is outstanding form as Our Vic edged out Kauto Star at Aintree this week.</p>
<p> Top handicap winners Neptune Collonges and Madison Berlaid were behind in Cheltenham race, underlining its value.</p>
<p>I must admit that Knowhere is probably my idea of the best each-way longshot at 50-1, but if he had stood up SIMON would probably have won and if he puts in a clear round.</p>
<p>HEDGEHUNTER and BEWLEYS BERRY aare "great leppers" as the Irish say and should get in the argument, but its SIMON to win with KNOWHERE to go somewhere near too.</p>
<p>AL EILE is a standing dish for the Irish at this fixture and can take the 2.50pm race, with DREAM ALLIANCE to take advantage of a lenient hurdles mark when switching back from a disappointing chasing campaign in the 3.25.</p>
<p>JOHN TERRY Terry is fancied to score - double up with Chelsea Harbour in the National for all blues' fans - on the flat at Lingfield.</p>
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