Bashboy has class on his side but history against him as he bids for a third consecutive Grand National Steeplechase win on Sunday.

The two-time Australian Jumper of the Year has been given 74.5kg in the $250,000 jumps feature at Sandown.

Bashboy is aiming to become the first horse to win the Grand National Steeplechase three times.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding carried 72.5kg to win his second Grand National last year, while the last horse to carry a weight as big as Bashboy's to victory was the mare Pedro's Pride in 1957 when she had 75.5kg.

Grand National Hurdle winner Sea King is among the seven nominations and has 69.5kg, while Maythehorsebemagic has 67.5kg.

Maher is convinced Bashboy is going better this year than in the past two jumps seasons and is ready to peak for Sunday's race.

He believes the weight is probably the only negative but hopes he can overcome that.

"I suppose it's the third time around and you can't keep winning without upping the penalty. So it is what it is," Maher said of Bashboy's weight.

"It's certainly a task for him with horses like Sea King and Wells in there."

Wells has been given 65.5kg and Maher believes he is probably the horse best suited at the weights.

Six-year-old Wells, a last-start third in the Grand National Hurdle, is set to have his first steeplechase start on Sunday.

"He (Wells) is probably weighted to win the race," Maher said.

"It's definitely an ask for him (Bashboy) but as I've said, it's probably the best flat form and jumping form he's been in. I'm rapt with him so he'll be there having a go."