The Paul Nicholls-trained My Will came fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup

My Will's owner Andy Stewart is confident that his ante-post favourite can land victory at Aintree in the John Smith's Grand National.

But the Paul Nicholls trained horse, who came fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, could see his weight rise with Snoopy Loopy a doubtful starter.

"I thought he would be nearer last in the Gold Cup than fifth and he had some good horses behind him," said Stewart.

"He is best with a bit of cut in the ground but it hasn't got to be."

The removal from the field of the Robert Ogden-owned duo Exotic Dancer and Star De Mohaison saw weights rise by 5lb.

And My Will, who is already looking to emulate Hedgehunter in becoming the only horse in the last 25 years to carry more than 11st to victory in Liverpool, could see his handicap rise to 11st 3lbs if Snoopy Loopy, the present top weight at 11st 10lbs, pulls out.

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Trainer Peter Bowen said of Snoopy Loopy: "We've left him in but we're not sure yet if he's going to run again this season and if he does I don't think it will be in the National."

Aintree officials aim to provide ground no quicker than good for the three-day meeting and should conditions dry up they will consider watering the course.

"We could do with a bit of good weather. The ground is generally on the easy side of good and good-to-soft, good-in-places on the National course," said clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch.

"We have set our stall out to provide ground no faster than good for the meeting and we have the facility to water if we need to."

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