Ballabriggs is the 16/1 joint-favourite for this year's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.
Betfred make the superstar their market leader after Donald McCain today revealed that last year's winner was on target to defend his crown at Aintree in April.
As well as heading Betfred's market alongside Junior, Ballabriggs has also been quoted at 4/1 to be placed in this year's race whilst its 11/10 that he manages to complete the course once more.
His handler is 12/1 to train the winner of the race again whilst it's 3/1 that one of his horses finishes in the frame.
"Recent history suggests that Ballabriggs faces an uphill battle in his attempt to win a second consecutive Grand National but if anyone knows how to do this, it's the McCain family and last year's winner shouldn't be underestimated," said Betfred spokesman George Primarolo.
Last year's runner-up Oscar Time is one of three horses priced up at 20/1 by Betfred behind Ballabriggs and Junior in the market. Donald McCain could also run Weird Al and Wymott in this year's Grand National and Betfred have priced up that pair at 33/1 and 50/1 respectively.
It's also 40/1 that Weird Al is placed in this year's Betfred Gold Cup and Ballabriggs is placed in this year's Grand National.
John Smith's Grand National - Betfred bet: 16 Ballabriggs, Junior, 20 Beshabar, Oscar Time, Shakalakaboomboom, West End Rocker, 25 Always Right, Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey, Galaxy Rock, Hey Big Spender, Killyglen, The Midnight Club, The Minack, 33 Alfa Beat, Always Waining, Baby Run, Backstage, Becauseicouldntsee, Gentle Ranger, Merigo, Midnight Chase, Mon Mome, Niche Market, Our Monty, Poker de Sivola, Quinz, State Of Play, Sunnyhillboy, Weird Al, Western Charmer, What A Friend, 40 Big Fella Thanks, 50/1 Wymott.
¼ 1-2-3-4
John Smith's Grand National: Donald McCain Specials - Betfred bet
12/1 To win the 2012 John Smith's Grand National
3/1 To have a placed horse in the 2012 John Smith's Grand National
4/1 Ballabriggs to be placed in the 2012 John Smith's Grand National
11/10 Ballabriggs to complete the course in the 2012 John Smith's Grand National
40/1 Ballabriggs to be placed in the 2012 John Smith's Grand National and Weird Al to be placed in the 2012 Betfred Gold Cup.
