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Paul Nicholls trims National team

Rocky Creek ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies
Image: Rocky Creek: Nicholls' main National hope

Paul Nicholls expects to have a four-strong team for the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on April 11.

Rocky Creek, fifth 12 months ago, and progressive young grey Unioniste will lead the champion trainer's assault on the world's greatest steeplechase.

They will be supported by Royal Rebellion, winner of the 2013 Grand Sefton over the famous fences, and Mon Parrain, second in the Topham Chase four years ago as Nicholls seeks to win the National for a second time after scoring with Neptune Collonges in 2012.

"I look like having four runners in the Crabbie's Grand National with Rocky Creek and Unioniste the two leading players for Team Ditcheat," Nicholls told www.betfair.com.

"They will be joined by Rebel Rebellion and Mon Parrain, while I have yet to make a firm decision about Benvolio and Sam Winner taking part.

"Sam Twiston-Davies again rides Rocky Creek at Aintree while Noel Fehily retains the partnership on Unioniste after their impressive success at Sandown.

"Unioniste will appreciate plenty of cut in the ground at Aintree and, like Rocky Creek, continues to give me the right signals at home.

"Hopefully it is a good omen that he is due to run off the same mark and weight as Neptune Collonges in 2012.

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"Racing anoraks will tell you that Unioniste is too young at seven to win the National but I take no notice of statistics and trends. For me they are there to be broken.

"I don't mind admitting that I've set my sights on the National with this pair all season and I have probably done a better job with Rocky Creek than Unioniste on a point of handicapping.

"Rebel Rebellion will be ridden by Ryan Mahon as unfortunately his regular jockey Jack Sherwood is not qualified for the race.

"He has more than earned a crack at the National, has already won a Grand Sefton over the fences and while the longer trip is an issue you never know until you try.

"Rebel Rebellion remains in good form and in theory is 7lb well in at Liverpool.

"Mon Parrain has run well over the National fences before in the Topham.

"He has had loads of training problems but is decent on his day and should give young Sean Bowen a cracking first National ride if he can manage one more winner over fences which will qualify him to take part in the race.

"The ground will need to be soft if Benvolio is to join my quartet. He was bought by Mr and Mrs David Thompson with the National in mind but they are in it for the long game.

"He is fit and well and being trained for Liverpool but if the going is not suitable then we will keep him for the Scottish National or maybe wait until next season.

"Sam Winner, too, is far from a definite runner at this stage. As he had a hard race in the Gold Cup I would like to see him bouncing again at home before committing him to the National."

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