Last year’s Grand National favourite The Midnight Club is set for another shot at the famous steeplechase at Aintree in April.

The Willie Mullins-trained 11-year old finished sixth in the big race in 2011 after going off at the top of the market at 15/2, following a strong gamble on the Ruby Walsh ridden runner.

The Midnight Club was one of only 19 runners to complete the course in a controversial race where two fences were omitted for the first time in history.

Last season’s experience over the big obstacles will certainly have benefited Mullins’ horse and he is likely to have support once again if two-time winner of the race Walsh opts to ride the mount once again. Those looking for Grand National free bets will be keeping an eye on his decision.

The Midnight Club has had two runs so far this season. He started his campaign back in December at Leopardstown over hurdles but was unfortunate to be brought down during that race when going well.

His second run this season was also in Ireland at Tramore where there were a smaller field of six runners in a Listed Race over fences. The Midnight Club finished fourth in the race won Art Approach over 2m5f.

Five out of the first six home in last year’s Grand National are likely to run again in April. The only exception is 2010 winner Don’t Push It who retired earlier this month after not impressing back at home.

Ballabriggs is aiming to become the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back races, whilst the connections of last year’s second Oscar Time will be hoping to go one better than 12 months ago under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen.