BEAU can show that there is no substitute for class in a modern-day Martell Grand National by giving the best weight carrying performance since Red Rum 27 years ago in tomorrow's Aintree showpiece.

Ginger McCain's National hero lumped 12st to victory in 1974 for the second of his record three triumphs.

Red Rum was eight-years-old on that occasion and coincidentally Beau, who will carry 11st 10lb, is the same age. However, he will be seeing the unique fences for the first time.

He does go to the Liverpool course with strong credentials including victory in two prestigious staying handicaps last season when still a novice.

After taking Doncaster's Great Yorkshire Chase by two lengths from Niki Dee (later third to Papillon on the National), he gave one of the performances of the season when making all the running to take the Whitbread Gold Cup on soft ground by a distance from Folly Road.

Due mainly to that success, Beau has taken a hike up the handicap and has had to compete at the highest level this campaign.

And he has done so with great credit, finishing fourth to First Gold in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and then runner-up to See More Business in the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham 10 weeks ago.

He will therefore come to Aintree fresh and will have been trained to perfection by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who saddled Earth Summit to win the National three years ago.

His rider Carl Llewellyn is the most successful National jockey in Saturday's race having won it twice, on Earth Summit (1998) and Party Politics (1992).

Beau looks made for Aintree as he is a sound jumper, stays forever, has a touch of class as well as having the backing of a proven National team behind him.

Last year's winner Papillon, one of only two Irish-trained runners, is likely to make a bold bid to become the first horse since Red Rum to achieve back-to-back victories.

Lightly-raced this term he does not look too harshly-treated having to carry 7lb more this time but only receives 5lb from Beau. He can, however, confirm the form with Mely Moss, who he defeated by a length and a quarter 12 months ago.

With Inn At The Top out of the race because of the change in the ground to soft, the mudlover General Wolfe could run into a place.

The Venetia Williams-trained gelding has already completed the course in two previous Nationals when the going was against him. It should suit him this time.

Pick of the long-shots is Esprit De Cotte, the mount of Mick Fitzgerald. Nicky Henderson's charge could well repay each-way interest at around 40-1.

Best Mate can prove to be the punters' pal in the last race before the National, the £120,000 Martell Aintree Hurdle.