Imperial Commander heads a list of 49 horses left in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday following the five-day stage.

The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero could try to make up for missing another crack at last month's blue riband event with a minor infection.

His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won the world's greatest steeplechase twice with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002), has also left in Major Malarkey and Viking Blond.

The big guns at the head of the market have all stood their ground, headed by ante-post favourite On His Own.

His trainer Willie Mullins is also represented by Quel Esprit and Quiscover Fontaine as the champion Irish trainer looks to add to his success with Hedgehunter in 2005.

That horse's owner Trevor Hemmings also has Ballabriggs, the winner in 2011, who tries again. His trainer Donald McCain also has Weird Al, Across The Bay and Cloudy Lane, who is not certain to get a run.

The second, third and fourth home 12 months ago, Sunnyhillboy, Seabass and Cappa Bleu, are set to renew rivalry while other horses with proven Aintree form are 2011 runner-up Oscar Time, 2010 fourth Big Fella Thanks and triple Topham winner Always Waining.

Colbert Station, Teaforthree, Join Together and Chicago Grey are among the other fancied horses remaining in the line-up.

Further spice is added with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson having shares in both What A Friend and Harry The Viking, both trained by Paul Nicholls.