The Last Fling is going for third time lucky when he travels west to Aintree this weekend.

Unseated last year, and seventh the year before, the 12-year-old, trained at Eldwick by Sue Smith, is a genuine contender for this year's Grand National.

"If he can get round, then he has as much chance as anyone," said the renown local trainer.

"This is the Grand National and you can never tell what is going to happen, but we are confident that this is going to be a good year for Last Fling.

"We just have to make sure we get him round.

"We are really pleased with him at the moment. Harvey (Smith) has built a few National type fences and he had a pop over them on Monday morning.

"He has got a low weight, only 10st 1lbs, and we are hoping he will run a good race."

Richard McGrath will be the jockey for the 165-year-old race - a successful partnership in the past.

A winner twice already this year, at Market Rasen in October and then the Tote 6 Gold Cup Chase at Warwick, The Last Fling is currently 25-1 for the big race.

"Richard is a great jockey and has ridden The Last Fling to victory at Doncaster and Haydock in the past," said Smith.

"He is an experienced rider and I am sure he will do well."

The Avocat gelding was out of form last term, but Smith never lost confidence in the horse and her patience has been duly rewarded.

He has run around Aintree five times previosuly, and the experience gleaned on the toughest of courses could prove invaluable as he bids to make it third-time lucky in the world's most famous steeplechase.