The Japan Times - I Am Maximus backed for National as Mullins hot streak continues

I Am Maximus' odds have shortened from 14-1 in January to 6-1 favouritism on the eve of the world's greatest steeplechase.

That is more to do with his master trainer Mullins' sensational form at Cheltenham where he hoovered up 10 Festival winners rather than the nine-year-old's two lacklustre runs since landing last year's National.

Mullins is flying high after the first two days of this year's Aintree festival, cleaning up with four Grade 1s on the opening day.

On Friday he saddled another Grade 1 winner, Salvator Mundi in the two mile (3200m) novice hurdle.

Then, in what can only be considered a timely if ominous omen to his rivals, Mullins' Gentleman De Mee took the Topham Chase over the iconic National fences themselves.

The 14-1 shot was sporting the famous green and yellow colours of JP McManus, who owns I Am Maximus, one of five the Irishman has in the race.

Not everything went Mullins' way with El Fabiolo a faller in the Grade 1 Melling Chase which presented Jonbon with some compensation after Nicky Henderson's chaser was a beaten odds-on favourite in the Queen Mother Champion chase at Cheltenham.

As for I Am Maximus, he etched his name on the great steeplechase's roll of honour with a comfortable seven and a half length win in 2024 for Mullins' second National winner after Hedgehunter in 2005.

Should the topweight succeed he will join a select club of back-to-back winners of the race that brings Britain to a virtual standstill with the most recent Tiger Roll and before him the legendary Red Rum.

Standing in his way to greatness are not only the 30 formidable fences but 33 rivals and the small matter of the four miles, two and a half furlongs (6,900 kilometres) distance at the iconic track in Liverpool's suburbs.

S.Suzuki--JT