JOCKEY Denis O’Regan believes King Fontaine could belie his tag as an outsider with a big run in Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

The jockey, second 12 months ago on Black Apalachi, rides King Fontaine in the four-and-a-half-mile test over the unique fences for Norton trainer Malcolm Jefferson.

The eight-year-old, who carries the colours of Trevor Hemmings, the winning owner of Hedgehunter in 2005, was an eye-catching fifth three weeks ago in the Spinal Research Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Regan, formerly stable jockey to Crook trainer Howard Johnson, reckons that performance will have him in good stead for the National. But he recognises he is going to need a lot of luck in running.

“He ran a blinder at Cheltenham, finishing fifth in the Spinal Research Chase and staying on all the way,” said O’Regan. “He has the right profile for the race and will love the ground. Obviously you need a lot of luck just to get round.

“He pulled up in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February but it was on bottomless ground. He’s definitely a horse that goes better on better ground.

“Malcolm is very keen on his chances and I’m hoping for a good spin. With 10st 6lb he’s unexposed, so I’m hoping he can run a good race, that he’ll get round first and hopefully he’ll go well off his light weight.”

Meanwhile, Brian Ellison’s tough-as-teak Bothy guns for glory today in the Listed Silver Cross Hurdle on the opening day of Aintree’s three-day meeting.

The five-year-old has been the bridesmaid three times this season – finishing second to Menorah in the Greatwood Hurdle, second to Recession Proof in the totesport Trophy Hurdle and behind only Carlito Brigante three weeks ago in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

Other North Yorkshire hopes in the opening forays at Liverpool include Norton trainer John Quinn’s Palawi in the Grade 1 Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-0 Juvenile Hurdle and West Witton trainer Ferdy Murphy’s Beggars Cap in the Red Rum Chase.