ALL roads lead to somewhere and this road is nearing its end. The destination being Aintree. 106 hopefuls eagerly awaited the weights launch in February to learn their fate and here we are, the final 40. Maggio missed out last year by seven off a 4lb lower mark and this year as of close of declarations on Thursday at 10am, he was fourth reserve.

You never wish other trainers or their horses bad luck but we had until lunch time yesterday for withdrawals to allow us our chance to get in the final field but alas no defectors. It is with slightly green eyes that we wish all of the runners and riders the very best of luck as we’d love to be there ourselves.