Leighton Aspell “would not want to swap” Many Clouds as the rider prepares to make history with a third successive win in the Crabbie’s Grand National.

Triumphant on Pineau De Re in 2014, Aspell partnered the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds to victory 12 months ago and the combination are favourites to become the first since Red Rum to land back-to-back runnings of the Aintree spectacular.

His form was given a major boost when Don Poli was third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Many Clouds having been a four-length second to Willie Mullins’ runner at Aintree in December when conceding 5lb to the Irish ace.

Many Clouds was last seen enjoying the perfect prep race at Kelso, and Aspell said: “Oliver has done a great job of training Many Clouds this year. Many Clouds gave 10lb to Cue Card at Wetherby (Charlie Hall Chase) but went there seriously under-cooked and it was a bit of a blip.

“But then to be second to Don Poli, giving 5lb, was a good run and then it was a really good performance against Smad Place – they pulled clear – in the BetBright Chase at Cheltenham and a lovely run around Kelso nine days ago was perfect.

“Many Clouds has always been a very good jumper but it was great to feel the enthusiasm and energy he had at Kelso.

“You don’t have to school him very often – he is very, very good – you just give him a pop a few days before he runs. I am sure Oliver is just freshening him up right now. The next week and the following week, we will do something more serious and get him spot on.

“I am not a bit worried about the weight or Many Clouds’ condition, he is really tip-top, but at the moment it looks a very strong race. I would not want to swap him.”

Speaking at an Aintree media lunch, Aspell added: “I’m blessed to have won two Nationals.

“The first year was a complete shock (in winning the race) and I didn’t know how to react.

“Last year, I was in front from three out and though you are screaming for the line, by the time you get there, it is just a release of emotion.

“Winning the National twice has not changed me but it has changed my life. It has raised my profile and is a big icebreaker – helping me with some better rides on Saturdays.”

Don Poli was the most high-profile withdrawal following the latest acceptance stage, with 96 horses still in the reckoning.

Other notable performers taken out include Valseur Lido, Foxrock, Sam Winner, Lord Windermere, Long Run and Shotgun Paddy.