Willie Mullins confident in main Grand National runner despite poor form

"They’re all in good shape."

After huge success at the recent Cheltenham Festival, Willie Mullins is gearing up for the Aintree Grand National this Saturday.

Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, is currently available at 9/1 odds, behind 7/1 favourite Iroko, and Mullins reckons his horse is in good shape to go back to back, despite patchy form.

The nine-year-old horse, owned by JP McManus, was pulled up during his return to racing in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December, and only finished eighth at the Irish Gold Cup in February, before pulling out of the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse later that month.

Speaking with Racing TV, Mullins said: "All our horses in the National, if they get in, they’ll run. I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, Meetingofthewaters, the Cheveley Park horse (Grangeclare West).

"They’re all in good shape. Most of them did their final bit of work yesterday (Saturday) and I’m very happy with them all.

"I Am Maximus is very good. Paul (Townend) got down off him with a big smile on his face yesterday morning, so that means he’s back to where Paul wants him anyway.

"It’s shaping up to be a great race."