Trainer Donald McCain is hoping to be triple-handed in the Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

McCain landed the race with Ballabriggs two years ago and he is one of four still engaged for the Cheshire handler at this stage.

Weird Al and Across The Bay, who both had a spin at Aintree on Tuesday morning, are also intended runners at this stage although McCain has a different plan in mind with Cloudy Lane, who would struggle to get a run anyway off a weight of just 9st 10lb.

"I was brought up to miss Cheltenham - there is no point leaving the Grand National at Cheltenham so none of my four ran there last week," McCain said.

Last year's Irish National hero Lion Na Bearnai faces a race against time to be fit for Aintree.

Meanwhile, trainer Tom Gibney has had no end of problems with his 11-year-old since his famous victory at Fairyhouse last Easter, and his participation remains in some doubt.

Gibney has targeted the Aintree version this season but one thing after another has hampered him and he has only run once, in the Hennessy at Newbury on December 1.

Gibney, speaking at a press day at his yard to launch this year's Irish National meeting, said: "He's good, he's still heading for Aintree just about, but things have not gone to plan and he's missed a lot of time.

"He's done a couple of bits of work recently and is coming together, but whether we get there I don't know."

Albertas Run, Quito De La Roque, The Package and Alfie Sherrin were among 16 withdrawn from the race on Tuesday.

Roi Du Mee, Midnight Chase, Calgary Bay and Planet Of Sound are some of the others who no longer have the Aintree engagement.

Colm Murphy decided against running Quito De La Roque but a trip to Merseyside could still be on the cards.