Mon Mome facing a weighty issue

Venetia Williams is warning punters that it will be difficult for Mon Mome to triumph in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree for a second consecutive season, writes Simon Milham.

A shock 100-1 outsider when victorious at Aintree last year, Mon Mome (left) is now one of the favourites to win the 4m 4f handicap chase on Saturday week.

Mon Mome, who was tenth in the race in 2008, will shoulder 11st 7lb and only Hedgehunter has carried more than 11st to victory since Corbiere in 1982.

Trainer Williams said: "He is naturally carrying more weight than last year and no horse since Red Rum has won it again, so that shows how tough it will be."

Mon Mome warmed up for the Aintree showpiece when staying on to take third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind Imperial Commander.

Williams said: "I was thrilled to bits with his run. I was hoping he'd run a good race and maybe sneak into a place and that is exactly how it turned out. He completed the last quarter mile of the race quicker than anything.