Nicholls bullish over Tricky

Paul Nicholls could have several live chances as he continues his search for a first success in the John Smith's Grand National.

The champion trainer has five live entries in this year's race in Taranis (11st 9lb), Tricky Trickster (11st 4lb), Nozic (11st 3lb), My Will (11st 2lb) and Big Fella Thanks (10st 12lb).

Tricky Trickster heads the betting following his victory at Newbury on Saturday and he will warm-up for the National in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"They are all possible runners but we will leave definite plans to nearer the time," he said.

"We will see how Taranis goes in the Gold Cup and make a decision after that. I think he has the right profile but (owner) Mrs Yeoman isn't totally convinced.

"Tricky Trickster went up 3lb for winning on Saturday but we can live with that.

"He is improving and has the right profile. I am not worried about his age and Big Fella Thanks was sixth in the race last year as a novice.

"He won the four-miler at Cheltenham last year and when you are targeting horses at a particular race, then you are best doing that when they are younger.

"Big Fella Thanks was dropped 3lb after running at Kempton on Friday and I am happy with that.

"He will run at Newbury at the beginning of next month over two and a half miles, while Tricky Trickster and My Will will both run in the Gold Cup.

"My Will has been out of form and will need to jump better than he did at Aintree last year, while Nozic will go straight to Aintree.

"I have trained Big Fella Thanks and Tricky Trickster especially for the race and it has been the target all of the way.

"(Owner) Chris Giles told me he wanted a horse for the National so we bought him Tricky Trickster last May and it has been his target since.

"I haven't trained him or Big Fella Thanks hard yet and I certainly wouldn't swap them for anything.

"I don't know which Ruby will ride and I am not going to worry about 2lb here or 3lb there as you need a lot of luck."