THERE are high hopes of Worcestershire success in the John Smith’s Grand National as Cappa Bleu targets glory this weekend.

The 11-1 fourth favourite for tomorrow’s Aintree showpiece, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by Paul Moloney, is owned by Himbleton, near Worcester, couple William and Angela Rucker.

Having finished fourth in last year’s contest at the Liverpool track, 12 lengths adrift of winner Neptune Collonges, Cappa Bleu is again catching the eyes of punters.

Aintree has been a happy hunting ground for Williams and the Ruckers with State Of Play finishing no worse than fourth between 2009 and 2011 before Cappa Bleu’s exploits 12 months ago.

With State Of Play now enjoying a happy retirement on the Ruckers’ Worcestershire farm, it is up to 11-year-old Cappa Bleu to fly the flag.

William Rucker said: “You need a bit of luck in the race, however good you are, so we just hope he has a sound run.

“If they run well you are delighted at the National and it would be a dream to win.

“If he comes home in one piece having run well we will be thrilled. We have had enough horses to know there is disappointment as well as the success.”

Runs at Carlisle last November and Ascot in February have gone to plan with two second places improving Cappa Bleu’s fitness while not hiking up his rating.

Trainer Williams said from his Llancarfan yard in Glamorgan: “We have been very lucky to have had a couple of good runners in the race. State Of Play did so well there and it was great to see Cappa Bleu run so well there on his first attempt last year.

“I was keen to avoid having a race on really heavy ground in the middle of winter this time as I don’t think the Welsh National did him any favours last year.

“He had a nice run at Ascot on a bit better ground and everything has gone to plan. I think we learnt a bit about his preparation last year and we’ve applied that this time.”

He added: “You can’t ever go into the Grand National thinking it is like any other staying chase. I think we have learnt something every time in terms of preparation and we can keep using that. The Ruckers and I have been fantastically lucky to have a good few goes in the race.

“To be placed so many times is almost a victory in itself.”

On His Own is the 7-1 favourite ahead of 10-1 chances Seabass and Colbert Station.