Walsh plays waiting game on his National '˜nap hand'

Mullins still has five in the world’s greatest steeplechase – Sir Des Champs, Ballycasey, Turban, Boston Bob and On His Own – but, at this stage, the Closutton maestro’s stable jockey cannot say which he will partner.

However, he played down his chances of winning for a third time after Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005 as he considers all of the champion trainer’s five possibles to be “longshots”.

“Sir Des Champs is Gigginstown’s so I don’t know what Bryan (Cooper, their retained rider) is doing,” said Walsh.

“We’ve Ballycasey, Turban, Boston Bob and On His Own. I’d imagine Patrick (Mullins) will ride On His Own.

“They are five long-shots and any of them, on their best day, could run a big race, but whether their best days are behind them or not now is questionable.”

After enjoying a superb Cheltenham Festival with seven winners, Mullins is a serious contender to being crowned champion trainer in the UK for the first time to add to his many Irish title triumphs.

A strong raiding party including Champion Hurdle heroine Annie Power and the brilliant Vautour is likely to be in action at Aintree next week and Walsh believes just being in with a chance of being British champion is a “massive achievement” for Mullins.

“Even to be in with a chance of winning it is incredible and you’ve seen how much money he has amassed here in Ireland as well,” said the jockey.

“He is a brilliant trainer, he’s a gentleman to work for and it would be a massive achievement, but he’s very good at putting his horses in the right races. Doing that is a huge thing and Willie is brilliant at it.”

Ayr stages the Coral Scottish Grand National one week after the Aintree spectacular and Cause Of Causes and Measureofmydreams are joint-favourites with the sponsors after featuring among 103 entries.

Gordon Elliott’s dual Cheltenham Festival winner Cause Of Causes is being targeted at the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week, but is far from certain to make the cut.

Measureofmydreams, third in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, is one of a number of entries for Mullins, with Ballycasey, Boston Bob and On His Own the other potential raiders from Closutton. The Irish challenge could also include Monday’s Irish Grand National one-two Rogue Angel and Bless The Wings.

Last year’s Aintree hero, Many Clouds, is on the huge list, but all roads at this stage lead to the big one as he bids to become the first dual Grand National winner since Red Rum.