MANCHESTER, England, February 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Midnight Club has been cut to 16/1 co-second favourite with Betfred for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 9 following the publication of the weights.

Willie Mullins' 10-year-old has been allotted 10st 13lbs for the world's greatest steeplechase after a fine seasonal debut when he was a fast-finishing second in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.

"Rich Ricci, who owns The Midnight Club, has made it no secret that the National is the horse's big target this term," said Betfred spokesman Jon Wilde. "It was a most encouraging reappearance in the Thyestes and this improving stayer should thrive for an extreme test of stamina."

Support for The Midnight Club has gathered momentum over the last few weeks and he is now one of the two worst results in Betfred's ante-post Grand National book along with Ballabriggs.

Donald McCain's gelding has been given just 1lb more to carry than The Midnight Club and this winner of his last five races heads the market at 14/1.

Last year's winner Don't Push It, who famously gave Tony McCoy his first Grand National triumph, is 16/1 for a repeat success having been installed as one of the joint top weights on 11st 10lbs.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has entered 10 horses as he bids to end his National hoodoo and Niche Market (10st 13lbs) is currently his most fancied contender with Betfred, also at 16/1.

Grand National ante-post odds:

     
    14/1 Ballabriggs       25/1 Majestic Concorde    33/1 Character Building
    16/1 Big Fella Thanks  25/1 Merigo               33/1 Chief Dan George
    16/1 Don't Push It     25/1 Midnight Chase       33/1 Giles Cross
    16/1 Niche Market      25/1 Notre Pere           33/1 Neptune Collonges
    16/1 The Midnight Club 25/1 Oscar Time           33/1 One Cool Cookie         
    16/1 Synchronised      25/1 State Of Play        33/1 Our Monty
    20/1 Hello Bud         25/1 West End Rocker      33/1 Silver By Nature          
    25/1 Backstage         33/1 Arbor Supreme        33/1 Taranis                                                    
    25/1 Becauseicouldntsee  33/1 Calgary Bay        33/1 and upwards bar
    25/1 Bluesea Cracker
 
                        ***Odds subject to fluctuation***

SOURCE Betfred