Loyal Maguire and Cloudy Lane head National market after Doncaster triumph
Twelve months after missing out on Grand National glory, Jason Maguire will be in pole position for this season's race on April 5.
Victory on Cloudy Lane in the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday has seen his mount cut to 6-1 favourite for Aintree.
The gelding will attempt to extend the unbelievable National record of the McCain family with trainer Donald trying to add his name to a roll of honour that features his father Ginger four times — three with the legendary Red Rum and once with Amberleigh House.
Scroll down for more
National team: Maguire is greeted by owner Trevor Hemmings on Saturday
Loyalty prevented Maguire from riding 2007 National winner Silver Birch.
He stuck with McCain's Idle Talk — who exited at the 19th fence — even though he rode Silver Birch in some of his prep races for trainer/friend Gordon Elliott.
He also advised replacement Robbie Power on how to ride Silver Birch.
Maguire has since signed up to be stable jockey to the increasingly successful McCain stable.
The jockey, nephew of Gold Cup winning rider Adrian Maguire, said: "I could also have ridden Longshanks (seventh) last year but decided to stick with my commitments.
"I've been pals with Gordon for a long time but I was looking long term. It's great to be riding the favourite. He is not over big and is a handy little horse. He hasn't been round Aintree before, so you're not quite sure how he'll take to it.
"I get on well with Donald and his horses are flying at the moment.
"We'll have a few at Cheltenham next week. Whiteoak, who goes for the mares' race, was beaten a short head by Tazbar at Doncaster. Chord would have a good chance in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. He ran Songe quite close at Huntingdon."
Donald McCain believes there is still improvement in Cloudy Lane, who looks very well handicapped for Aintree. He will meet Saturday's runner-up, Ungaro, and disappointing Mr Pointment, who broke a blood vessel, on 11lb better terms.
Meanwhile, Exotic Dancer worked under Tony McCoy on Saturday and is back in Ladbrokes Gold Cup betting at 16-1 (with a run) after an injury scare.
