Grand National Entries: 57 remain in contention for Aintree glory

"The latest raft of defections means that runs are guaranteed for the likes of Wyck Hill, Chicago Grey... and The Rainbow Hunter."

The weights for the 2013 John Smith's Grand National could be set to go up as several of those towards the head of the weights were withdrawn at the latest forfeit stage.

Of the top five on the racecard, only What A Friend looks a probable runner at this stage, with Albertas Run, Quito de La Roque and Katenko among 16 defections on Tuesday. Imperial Commander, 1 lb ahead of What A Friend, remains among the entries but a combination of lingering injury concerns and an alternative engagement in the Bowl mean he's far from a certain starter.

Among the more fancied runners that were pulled out were Bobbyjo Chase winner Roi du Mee and Badger Ales Trophy winner The Package, the latter of which was pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival last week. 

The others to be withdrawn on Tuesday were Calgary Bay, Midnight Chase, Planet of Sound, Jessies Dream, Problema Tic, Frisco Depot, Alfie Sherrin, Matuhi, Tartak, Summery Justice and Odysseas.

The latest raft of defections means that runs are guaranteed for the likes of Wyck Hill, Chicago Grey (now Timeform top-rated following his win in the Red Mills Chase) and The Rainbow Hunter. Mr Moonshine, runner-up to Cape Tribulation in the Rowland Meyrick over Christmas, is now in the dreaded forty-first position with less than three weeks to go before the race.

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Champion Hurdle: Ten left in Champion contention

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old landed the two-mile championship in 2011 and although he was beaten into third when odds-on 12 months ago, he has looked as good as ever so far this season...

Hurricane Fly will face a maximum of nine rivals when he aims to regain his crown in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday...

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old landed the two-mile championship in 2011 and although he was beaten into third when odds-on 12 months ago, he has looked as good as ever so far this season. He currently heads the market, trading at 3.55/2 on Betfair.

The three main hopes for the home team are last year's winner Rock On Ruby, Paul Nicholls' improving Zarkandar and the Nicky Henderson-trained Grandouet.

Henderson could also run 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Binocular, as well as the runner-up of that year, Khyber Kim.

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes and Triumph Hurdle hero Countrywide Flame add further strength in depth.

The field is completed by Balder Succes and Cotton Mill, although the latter looks more likely to stick to handicap company in the County Hurdle.

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