Comprehensive guide to the Meath runner's in today's Grand National

There are 11 Meath trained horses going to post for today's Grand National at Aintree with Gordon Elliott saddling eight runners in the 'greatest race in the world' at the Liverpool track.

However, it is the charges of Gavin Cromwell and John McConnell that are most fancied with Limerick Lace for Cromwell and Mahler Mission for Stamullen's McConnell fancied by the bookmakers.

Dunshaughlin jockey Keith Donoghue is the other local interest in the race as he rides Willie Mullins's Capadanno, a 25/1 shot.

Racing TV's Lydia Hislop gives her view on the Meath trained horses who go in today's Grand National at Aintree.

LIMERICK LACE (trained by Gavin Cromwell, ridden by Mark Walsh, 9/1)

Advantageously ridden when scalping her owner's leading fancy in the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham. Better form when chasing home Coko Beach in the Troytown in November, proving an aptitude for big fields and a strong test of stamina. Unexposed as a marathon chaser and promises to stay. Lingering tendency to clout the odd fence unexpectedly, but jumping largely improved. Testing ground right up her street. Mark Walsh marginally prefers to ride her over Meetingofthewaters.

MAHLER MISSION (John McConnell, Ben Harvey 12/1)

Looked the likeliest winner of last season's NH Chase until falling at the second last when asked one question too many by his unfamiliar amateur rider. Built on promising debut this season when clear second in Newbury's Coral Gold Cup in December, suggesting he can travel well and jump soundly in a big-field handicap. Not seen since, however, and unproven when fresh. Capable of further progress but even his best efforts hint at a stamina doubt for marathon trips.

COKO BEACH (Gordon Elliott, Jordan Gainsfort, 20/1)

Fluent Punchestown Banks debut in February suggests he'll be a leading cross-country performer next term. Yet the National distance has twice looked beyond him, when too free in 2022 and too aggressive in last year's enervating edition, ultimately pulling up. Much better form in general this season, winning the Troytown and second over the Becher's shorter course of these fences under a more circumspect ride. Chance of hitting the extended placings if replicating those tactics.

DELTA WORK (Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy, 20/1)

Mildly unfortunate in the past two editions. Met traffic but rallied from a poor position for third in 2022. Slithered into a second circuit unseat 12 months ago, having earlier been hampered at the second. Scruffy jumping has bedevilled his career. Lacks the requisite agility for this task. Given his trainer's typical Tiger Roll preparation of cross-country and hurdling tasks, minus the Festival's abandoned target, but appeared to lack his old spark. Trainer must agree, upping the headgear with blinkers.

VANILLIER (Gavin Cromwell, Sean Flanagan, 12/1)

As typically careful over these fences as on conventional tracks prior to finishing a late surging second last year. Flattered by his proximity to Corach Rambler, but reopposes on 9lbs better terms. Best not seen of him this season until after the National weights were released, when cheekpieces were reapplied. Still worse off at the weights with I Am Maximus despite a thumping. Jumping remains hesitant, but trainer refrains from enhanced headgear.

GALVIN (Gordon Elliott, Sam Ewing, 40/1)

Endured unfortunate experience in last year's National - landing awkwardly and unseating his rider at the first, then sustaining a cut after running loose. Steadily back to form. Below his best in two cross-country starts last autumn before shaping up well on unsuitably heavy going in the Boyne Hurdle. Forced to miss his intended Festival prep due to abandonment, but goes well fresh. Strong stayer yet unexposed over extreme trips. Given a chance by the handicapper . Ground the sole doubt here.

CHEMICAL ENERGY (Gordon Elliott, Danny Gilligan, 50/1, owned by Bective Stud)

Rarely blemish free with his jumping, but overpriced on last season's level weights second to subsequent National third Gaillard Du Mesnil in the 2023 NH Chase. Below form in the Irish National next time. Creditable fifth, positively ridden in a speed favouring Kerry National on sole start this season. Capable fresh but still unproven in big fields. Must revert to more circumspect tactics here. Said to favour a sounder surface, but has run creditably on soft.

RUN WILD FRED (Gordon Elliott, Mr T Hamilton, 50/1)

well backed for the 2022 National, falling when crowded at the Canal Turn the first time. Then boasted a strong staying-novice's profile, with a Troytown victory and a NH Chase second splitting Stattler and Vanillier. Also hit the deck in the Irish National just nine days after Aintree. Glimmers of hope since only when fifth in a steadily run Munster National after a year long absence and until knocked over at Fairyhouse in February. Error-prone. First time visor needs to be transformative.

THE GOFFER (Gordon Elliott, Sean Bowen, 66/1)

Despite finishing fourth when ridden to conserve his stamina in last terms Bet£65 Gold Cup, he's twice shaped like a non-stayer when otherwise running creditably in successive Ultima Handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival. Performing to a shade lesser level in general this season, however. Best form on a sounder surface that seems likely today. Clearly has a good win in him, but probably not over a marathon trip.

FAROUK d'ALENE (Gordon Elliott, Donagh Meyler, 100/1)

Might have finished second in the 2023 Brown Advisory at Cheltenham but for falling two out. Yet to recapture that calibre of form over fences but conjured a career best over hurdles at Leopardstown at Christmas. Failed to reproduce anything like that following a break in the festival's Pertemps Final last time. Promises to stay marathon trips. Unproven in big fields. Jumping remains a concern.

MINELLA CROONER (Gordon Elliott, Kevin Sexton, 100/1)

Failed to build on decent novice hurdling form as a staying chaser, as wildly expected. Careful jumper, adjusting right - neither trait helpful in this scenario. Won at Wexford on seasonal debut in November. Better form on paper only when grossly flattered by cheap late gains after Jungle Boogie and Classic Getaway cut each other's throats at Tramore on New Year's Day. Ought to thrive over marathon trips, but impossible to fancy.