‘‘Like any other horse in the race he needs 50% luck,’’ Straker told the Racing Channel. ‘‘The National isn’t a race you can say ‘he’s going to win it’ - but given a fair run, and if he manages to get a clear round, I think he’ll run very well.

‘‘The National stirs the blood, stirs the imagination. I think it’s a fantastic race.’’

Paris Pike was due to be ridden by Adrian Maguire until he suffered a broken bone in his neck in a fall at Warwick earlier this month.

Last year’s winning jockey Richard Guest now steps in for the ride.

‘‘My heart goes out to Adrian because he’s ridden the horse since day one,’’ said Straker. ‘‘But his bad luck is Richard’s luck.

‘‘You couldn’t have a better replacement. He’s an outstanding horseman and a sympathetic horseman which is what I want for Paris Pike.’’