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Aintree Grand National News: Minella Times tops weights, Blaklion squeaks in after two drop out

The Randox Aintree Grand National field for Saturday, April 9 continues to take shape with two defections for the big one. That leaves reigning champ Minella Times to carry top weight.

Henry De Bromhead's reigning Randox Aintree Grand Natiional champion Minella Times will have to lump top weight in Saturday's big one after the defection of stablemate Chris''s Dream.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore's momentous 2021 win saw her become the first female to win the Aintree marathon and she will have to do it the hard way if taking the reins again as expected.

Mick Winters' Chatham Street Lad was also scratched, meaning Dan Skelton's veteran Blacklion and fellow De Bromhead inmate Poker Party have now scraped in to the hallowed top 40.

Gordon Elliott's Glenfarclas Chase winner Delta Work will try and win it for retired stablemate Tiger Roll and heads the market at a general 8/1 with Ted Walsh's Any Second Now (9/1) and Snow Leopardess of Charlies Longdon's third favourite for the four miles, four furlong test at 10/1.

Elliott's solid looking team also includes the fourth favourite Escaria Ten (12/1) for the McNeill family and Gigginstown outsider Farclas,

Yet, the Cullentra House handler may have another runner if even more drop out with his Death Duty currently in 41st spot, just one short of making the cut.

Emma Lavelle's Eclair Surf, fancied by by certain shrewd punters if making the race, is currently 43rd on the list and hoping for further defections.

Read More: Grand National Festival 2022 guide: When is it, times, big races, top horses, trainers and jockeys.

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