JP McManus boasts a formidable line-up for the and he's already namechecked one of his runners. The renowned National Hunt owner, who boasts an impressive roster of horses - including Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin - is no stranger to success at Aintree.

After securing his third National victory last year with I Am Maximus, icon McManus is once again in a strong position for the four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong race. However, it's seven-year-old Iroko, who put up a commendable performance at last year's meeting, that McManus has singled out as "his National horse." Iroko was acquired by McManus in 2021 after some notable runs in France and placed under the care of trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. However, there were concerns when his first outing resulted in a fourth-place finish in a juvenile hurdle at Chepstow.

But things quickly improved for the son of Cokoriko, who clinched a hat trick at the in early 2023. A year later, he competed in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree, having previously run in the Turners Novices' Chase in the Cotswolds.

It was here that Iroko finished a gallant second to eventual Gold Cup champion Inothewayurthinkin. Following this performance, McManus made it clear where the gelding's future lay.

"It's crazy how it has panned out [the Mildmay form]," Guerriero told the Racing Post (via the ) "JP said as soon as he walked back in the winner's enclosure at Aintree that he [Iroko] is my National horse for next year, so from then on, we have had our target on the race.

"He missed most of his novice season over fences, but he's consequently quite unexposed. We're very hopeful the extended trip will suit him. All his best work is at the end of his races, and we wouldn't have any doubt he will enjoy the step up in distance."

Iroko has secured his spot in the National alongside four other McManus-owned horses, with last year's champion I Am Maximus - trained by Willie Mullins - aiming for a historic repeat victory not seen since Tiger Roll in 2019. Perceval Legallois, prepped by Gold Cup victor Gavin Cromwell, will attempt the feat with Mark Walsh.

Meetingofthewaters is also vying for glory under Mullins, while Nicky Henderson-trained Chantry House joins the fray as an outsider. Despite intense competition, McManus had already singled out Iroko as his pick to watch at this time last year, and the team's spirits are buoyed following the horse's second-place finish in the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso in March.

"He's come out of it very well. He seems fresh and well," Guerriero continued. "I think it was actually good that he didn't get in too much of a battle with Grey Dawning, and it was probably the perfect prep run.

"It was probably his best performance on paper - Grey Dawning is a very good horse - and he's obviously enjoyed it, and he's gone a fair gallop. It was a quick time, so we were delighted. He looked good, and he's come back fresh and well."