With the John Smith’s Grand National is little over a month away there are a large number of stories flowing in racing circles that will be of interest to punters with the latest related to joint top weight, Neptune Collonges.

The ten-year-old Paul Nicholls trained grey was one of the fancied horses for the annual steeplechase at Aintree but has now been withdrawn from the race.

Instead the horse will now be expected to focus on the Totesport Gold Cup with an eye on a possible challenge for the Totesport Trophy at Aintree or a trip to Punchestown.

The decision was made by the trainer as a result of the weight carried and leaves Don’t Push It as the outright top weight for the National at 11st 12lb.

In other Grand National news, those looking at Grand National Tips should note how Comply Or Die is still considered to be on track for a run in the race despite a poor performance at Newcastle on Saturday.

The twelve-year-old horse appeared to be tiring badly in fourth place when jockey decided to end his race at the second to last fence.

The horse had won the grueling 33-fence race in the run up to claiming victory in the national in 2008 and a similar build-up was scheduled this year. Trainer David Pipe reported that the horse was well and is expected to continue preparations for the big race in April.