Grand National 2017 Fact Files
Randox Heath Grand National

Stellar Notion

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Randox Health Grand National contender Stellar Notion is set to spearhead a formidable team for Henry de Bromhead at Aintree.

Stellar Notion
© Caroline Norris
Stellar Notion

Stellar Notion, who was last seen finishing a close second in January's Leopardstown Handicap Chase, also holds an entry over the National fences in the shorter Topham Chase, but his trainer has confirmed he will contest the world's most famous steeplechase.

His Grade One-winning stablemate Identity Thief, meanwhile, could revert to the smaller obstacles in Thursday's Betway Aintree Hurdle.

The seven-year-old made a flying start to his chasing career with successive wins at Punchestown, but has been disappointing since.

De Bromhead said: " Stellar Notion is in the National and will run in that. 

"Identity Thief is entered in the two-and-a-half-mile hurdle (Aintree Hurdle) and we'll have a look at that. I think we have to go back over hurdles with him after his last couple of runs over fences and try to get his confidence back.

"Sub Lieutenant will be entered in the Bowl and the Melling Chase. Alisier D'Irlande is in the two-mile handicap (Red Rum Chase)." 

Two De Bromhead inmates set to remain on home soil are Petit Mouchoir and Champagne West

Petit Mouchoir was third in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this month, with Champagne West ninth in the Gold Cup

"Petit Mouchoir will wait for Punchestown. He's in great form and we'll keep him for there," the trainer added. 

"Champagne West will wait for the Gold Cup in Punchestown. Looking at the way he ran in Cheltenham I'd say an ease in the ground wouldn't do him any harm.

"He seems in mighty form."

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