Held in high regard by Paul Nicholls since his novice hurdle days, Taranis had developed into a high class chaser, winning a number of feature races including the Grade 1 James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal in November 2007. Unfortunately, a month later Taranis broke down when taking on Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton and had been off the track while going through rehabilitation.

It is a tremendous credit to Nicholls that he was able to produce the French-bred nine-year-old to win at the first time of asking against smart company after a 25 month absence. Taranis didn’t just win, he fairly hacked up, cruising around the back for the first circuit before creeping into contention three out and then powering home up the Cheltenham hill to beat the very useful Carruthers with a bit in hand.

The immediate talk after the race was of Taranis providing a fifth string to the Nicholls bow in the Gold Cup in seven weeks time, but mention was also made of a possible tilt at the Grand National if the horse comes out of this race unscathed.

It would be some story if the gelded son of Mansonnien could return from a career-threatening injury to win the greatest steeplechase of all. The Grand National betting odds make him as long as 33/1 for the big race, but a decision as to whether he will be allowed to take his chance will come after the weights have been published. If the handicapper gives him a sporting chance, then it is possible that Taranis might get the green light to tackle the awesome Aintree fences.

The Grand National 2010 looks set to attract some of the best quality horses for years, with the likes of former Gold Cup winner War of Attrition, Hennessey winner State of Play and Irish star Notre Pere all potential starters. Recent National heroes Comply or Die and defending champion Mon Mome, who has been shaping up very promisingly so far this term, are also in contention.

All the market principals remain in the race and, as none of those removed from the race were prominent in the ante-post betting lists, there have been no significant changes to the odds on offer for the Aintree marathon.

Amongst the better known horses whose trainers have declined the challenge of this year’s big race is Kilcrea Castle, quietly fancied in some quarters prior to a poor effort recently in the Racing Post Chase, after which his trainer Emma Lavelle hinted that the National might be a step too far at this stage.

Willie Mullins has removed his Beroni and Irish Invader from the contest but still has eight horses entered, whilst Dessie Hughes has taken out Leopardstown’s Paddy Power Chase runner-up Siegemaster, a 33/1 shot in some Aintree Grand National Free Bet lists.

Taranis is probably the most high profile horse to miss the race, the gelding having returned from a long lay-off to post a tremendous win in Cheltenham’s Argento Chase last month. Another horse to have been quoted as short as 33/1 with some firms, Taranis has also been withdrawn from an intended engagement in the Cheltenham Gold Cup due to lameness and will be out for the rest of the season. Trainer Paul Nicholls hopes that his talented but fragile chaser will be back on duty next term.

Another quality horse who has been difficult to keep sound is Charlie Egerton’s Darkness, another well known name who was absent from the list of 98 horses going forward to the next stage of the Grand National. The Grade 1 winner has had all manner of training difficulties in recent years but on his day is still a quality handicapper.

Parson’s Legacy, Jayo, Glenfinn Captain and One Cool Cookie are amongst others who have not gone forward to the second declaration stage.