The entries for the Grand National have seen many trainers come out in positive terms with regards to their Aintree ambitions but a couple of the well fancied runners could be giving the big race a swerve.

 Character Building, trained by John Quinn, is as short as 20/1 with some bookmakers but is more likely to head for Fairyhouse and the Irish National according to his trainer. The Aintree race is still a consideration but he may wait another year.

Also probably heading for the Irish National rather than Aintree is Royal County Star, a 25/1 shot with most bookmakers. Tony Martin reported this week that his horse has just come back after a break but would more than likely not run at Aintree.