The striking grey was beaten four lengths by Comply Or Die at Aintree two years ago but did not make the following year’s renewal.

He has made little impression in four starts over chases and hurdles this season, but trainer Arthur Moore is always likely to have had Saturday’s race as the main target.

Carberry, who rode King Johns Castle in the National two years ago, said: “He seems in the same form as he was a couple of years ago.

“I went down to ride him a couple of weeks ago, we popped over a few fences and he felt fine.

“Hopefully he’ll give me a good ride round.”