Grand National: Field finalised after late withdrawals

Connections of Eclair Surf and Fortescue will both get to see their horses run in the Grand National on Saturday after Caribean Boy and Farclas were taken out at the final declaration stage.

Eclair Surf is in good form of late for trainer Emma Lavelle, having won the Classic Chase at Warwick before finishing second in the Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle in February. 

Nicky Henderson's Caribean Boy was hoping to give the Lambourn trainer his first National success but a recent setback means he misses out. 

Gordon Elliott's Farclas was not declared, meaning Henry Daly's Fortescue sneaks in at the bottom of the field. 

Battleoverdoyen and Court Maid were already ruled out earlier in the week, so Saturday's 40-runner field is now confirmed. 

Elliott has revealed Farclas is being saved for the Irish National at Fairyhouse, and there are still four horses on the reserve list. 

Commodore, School Boy Hours, Romain De Senam and Roi Mage will try to sneak in at the last minute. 

But for now, it is still Snow Leopardess at the front of the market, just ahead of Any Second Now, Delta Work and Escaria Ten. 

Jockey Aidan Coleman will partner Snow Leopardess in Saturday's feature race and he is excited by her chances. 

He told reporters: "She's had an absolutely super season. She won at Bangor and then she went to the Becher. 

"There's been a lot of money for her all week, which was always going to happen. 

"She's always been a particularly good jumper. I suppose the one thing is that the softer the ground, the better for her, just to slow them down a touch. 

"You have to take what you get, and she does go on better ground. It's not a massive inconvenience to her — it would just play to her strengths if we did get some rain."

Last year's winner Minella Times remains in the field for Saturday's contest as he hopes to follow Tiger Roll in winning back-to-back Grand Nationals.

The latest Aintree markets are available at LiveScore Bet.