JAMES Moffatt is once again having to play the waiting game when it comes to finding out whether he will have a runner in this Saturday’s Randox Health Grand National.

Just A Par was already guaranteed to be one of four reserves for the race at Aintree at the five-day declaration stage earlier this week.

Confirmation is set to come at 10am today whether there have been any more withdrawals which would allow him entry into this weekend's showpiece.

This is not a new situation for Cartmel-based trainer Moffatt, who has been in similar situations with Chief Dan George and Highland Lodge, and he has Just A Par perfectly primed to race if he makes the cut.

“It’s the fifth time I’ve been in this position,” said Moffatt. “We were in twice with Chief Dan George and we got in in 2011, and twice with Highland Lodge where we didn’t get in in 2016 and did get in the following year.

“I don’t think you ever get quite used to it because we’re just on the cusp, but it would be fantastic if he gets in.

“Owner Mark Scott is a Liverpool man and it’s a dream to him. You can imagine he’s making himself sick nearly thinking about it.

“We knew it was going to be tight, but that doesn’t stop the way you train him; you’ve got to train him like he’s the favourite and that’s what we’ve done.”

Moffatt has had the Grand National in his sights for Just A Par since August, with December’s seventh-place finish in the Becher Chase at the Merseyside venue and a recent racecourse gallop at Haydock Park all providing signs of encouragement.

Ten 12-year-olds have won the race down the years – two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner L’Escargot and Grand National hero Red Rum among them – with the most recent being Amberleigh House in 2004, and Pit Farm Stables handler Moffatt does not believe Just A Par’s age counts against him.

“He jumps well, he stays well, and I can’t make any predictions for that race, but I know he’ll give the jockey a great spin,” said Moffatt, who will send Just A Par to Ayr for the Scottish Grand National the following week if he does not make the cut for this Saturday.

“Usually the ones who can jump and stay finish in the top half and you never know.

“He’s certainly a classy horse. Even though he’s 12 I still think he’s got a huge engine and his Becher Chase run was very, very pleasing after 18 months off.

“A lot of horses don’t take to the fences, so that’s a tick straight away and a tick for the distance as well.”