With only two weeks to go the runners and riders for this years Aintree Grand National are still very sketchy. The race will be worth £800,000.00 this year and not surprisingly 115 entries stood their ground at the second forfeit stage this week. The maximum field of 40 runners looks assured which means 75 horses will have to come out. The next confirmation stage for the Aintree Grand National is the five-day stage on Monday 31st March. The colours of Trevor Hemmings could hold the key to finding the winner of this years race. He has the current favourite Cloudy Lane. Cloudy Lane has won his last three starts for trainer Donald McCain whose father Ginger trained the winner of the race four times, most famously with Red Rum in 1973,1974 and 1977. Trevor Hemmings also has that old favourite Hedgehunter, trained by Willie Mullins, who will carry top weight and has an excellent record at Aintree. Willie Mullins also trains Snowy Morning. It will be interesting to see if Ruby Walsh rides either of these. I guess we will know a bit more after 31st March. Heres counting down.