AIDAN Coleman believes his mount in the Crabbie's Grand National, Conkwell Grange-trained The Druids Nephew, was one of the best rides he could possibly have picked up in Saturday's race.

With his usual partner Barry Geraghty injured, trainer Neil Mulholland was on the lookout for a suitable jockey and went for Coleman.

While Coleman has won over the unique fences before, his record in the National itself is instantly forgettable and he famously dismissed 100-1 winner Mon Mome in 2009 in favour of a stablemate.

"It is definitely one of the best rides to pick up. Phil Smith, the chief handicapper, says he is the best handicapped horse in the race," Coleman told the Daily Mail.

"The race should suit this horse. He seems quite hardy. He handled the hustle and bustle of the Cheltenham Festival and came out a very nice winner.

"That should stand him in good stead as far as the Aintree experience goes."

SEE FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES FOR MULHOLLAND'S VERDICT ON THE CHANCES OF DRUID'S NEPHEW IN SATURDAY'S GRAND NATIONAL