Forest Gunner will be trying to maintain his 100% record over the big fences after winning last year’s Fox Hunters’ Chase and the Grand Sefton Chase last November.

Ford said: “Everything has been going well. I’m not too nervous – it just feels like any other race at this stage.

“I could not be happier with the horse. He’s had a trouble-free preparation and just had a little spin this morning as he’s done all that he needs to do.”

Much has been made of Mrs Ford riding Forest Gunner, especially as Aintree legend Ginger McCain has made some controversial comment about female jockeys in recent weeks.

She had a first look at the track yesterday and although the Fords were satisfied with conditions, they would not want to see too much rain now.

“Carrie walked the track with Neale Doughty (who won the National on Hallo Dandy) and she seemed very happy with it,” said Ford.

“He’s won on good and heavy ground so he’s quite versatile, but I wouldn’t want it heavy for him like when Red Marauder won. The heavier the ground, the harder it is to get home.

“I’m perfectly happy with how the course looks. As always it looks in terrific shape and is a credit to Aintree, but I suppose how the ground rides is up to the big man upstairs.”

McCain believes it could turn out to be a three-horse race tomorrow with his runner Amberleigh House and Jonjo O’Neill’s Clan Royal, first and second last year, fighting out the finish again 12 months on, together with Irish raider Hedgehunter.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old was in third place when falling at the last in 2004 and McCain reckons that run offers plenty of hope to favourite-backers.

“You would have to fancy Hedgehunter given the way he ran last year, and Clan Royal would obviously have a good chance as well,” he said today.

“They’ve probably put a lot of work into him and he’s sure to be fit because of the circumstances of Jonjo’s season – a win here would make up for the problem he’s had.

“I honestly think it will be between the three of us, although one or two of the lightly-weighted horses might just produce a big run.”

McCain is delighted with the way Amberleigh House’s preparations have gone, and although the ground is currently good to soft at the Liverpool track, McCain hopes it may dry out a little more.

“It’s all been very straightforward for us really. He did a nice canter this morning and the ground at Aintree seems to be coming right for him,” he said.

“We wouldn’t want to see any more rain but I’ve been down to Birkenhead this morning and it’s very fresh but breezy, and that’s helping to dry things up. If it keeps on like this I can’t see it being any worse than good ground.”

Two other past National winners will turn out in tomorrow’s race alongside Amberleigh House, with 2002 victor Bindaree and Monty’s Pass, who was successful two years ago, both lining up.

Jimmy Mangan, trainer of the latter, took a look at the track this morning and he was pleased enough with what he saw, although he would like conditions to be a little quicker.

“I’ve just walked the course and it’s a nice day with a brilliant drying wind, so I hope the ground will have improved before ten past four tomorrow,” he said.

“Conditions will have to improve if he is to have any real chance.”

Monty’s Pass is now a 12-year-old and he will have to shoulder 11st 6lb despite not winning in four starts so far this season.

“He travelled over well and did a nice canter this morning, but he wouldn’t be the same horse he was two years ago,” Mangan said.

“He’s obviously older now so if he were to get a place I would be delighted - but if a win came along, I’m sure we’d accept that too!”

His big-spending part-owner Mike Futter, who won a fortune after backing him two years ago, has plunged again this year.