Martin was very anxious to run the seven-year-old at Aintree in the Grand National, but his plans were thwarted when the horse failed to make the cut.

The gelding is chasing his seventh consecutive win here, with the bookmakers making him a short-priced favourite to oblige, and he is reported to be "very well" by Martin who has described him in the past as an old-fashioned staying chaser. Jockey Ruby Walsh was in the saddle when he was successful at Gowran and Cheltenham, but the Kildare man is claimed by Willie Mullins to ride topweight Our Ben, so Mick Fitzgerald comes in.

Martin and Fitzgerald have teamed up for success before with Xenophon in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown, and many punters will look upon this as a marriage made in heaven especially as Fairyhouse is the trainer's local track.

Ironically, while Dun Doire was denied a run at Aintree because he was one of the lighter weights, he is now burdened with the second topweight of 11st 6lb, because the weights have gone up by 27lb. Our Ben was an early casualty in the SunAlliance Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, and he is attempting to become the first horse to succeed under top-weight since Flashing Steel prevailed in 1995. He has done well since being put over fences, and is another staying chasing type, who cannot be ruled out.

English-based trainer Ferdy Murphy is responsible for the sole English raider in the exIrish-trained Supreme Developer, and at odds of 33/1 he represents attractive eachway value.

Tony McCoy's mount Far From Trouble is another one who will have his share of supporters, as will No Half Sessions, whose rider Niall Madden is looking to complete a historic Grand National double on the Noel Meade-trained 14/1 shot.

The Francis Flood-trainer GVA Ireland also appeals on the strength of his win in last month's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter. Don't disregard the chances of Timmy Murphy's mount Monterey Bay, either.