Officials at Aintree have today announced that the course for the Martell Grand National will only be watered if conditions are likely to be "significantly faster than good".
The going is good, good to soft in places on the National course and there had been speculation that the track would be watered this week, much to the dismay of trainers with fast-ground horses in the race.
Aintree clerk of the course Ian Renton said: "The weather forecast for the remainder of the week is dry and cold, with possible scattered showers towards the end of the week.
"Five millimetres of water has been applied to the quicker areas of both the Mildmay and Hurdle tracks to ensure the going is consistently good.
"If we feel it is necessary, further water will be applied to the Mildmay and Hurdle courses with the intention of providing ground no faster than good for the meeting.
"Watering of the Grand National course will only take place if there is a likelihood of the going becoming significantly faster than good."
Paul Nicholls is one trainer waiting on ground conditions before deciding on his National team.
Nicholls will choose from Earthmover, Escartefigue, Torduff Express and Flaked Oats.
He said: "The ground is such an important thing in these big races. The likelihood is that if the ground stays as it is, Earthmover will definitely run and Joe Tizzard will ride.
"He likes good ground, as does Flaked Oats, whereas Escartefigue and Torduff would want it softer."
The ride on last season's Grand National third Call It A Day is still up for grabs.
His trainer, Alan King has released stable jockey Richard Johnson to partner the joint-favourite, Star Traveller.
He has secured Tony Dobbin, who won the race three years ago on Stan Clarke's Lord Gyllene, for the same owner's, Listen Timmy, on whom he won the 1999 John Hughes Trophy over the big fences.
"I'm still looking for a jockey for Call It A Day," said King, who intends running both horses.
"Hopefully they'll both run. They both worked at Newbury on Saturday after racing. From their point of view the dry weather will suit them down to the ground."
Aintree has also announced that all County Stand (Club) badges for the Friday and Saturday of the meeting have sold out.
There are some tickets available for the opening day, Thursday.
Latest Martell Grand National betting:
William Hill: 8-1 Bobbyjo, Star Traveller, 14-1 Betty's Boy, Young Kenny, 16-1 Micko's Dream, 20-1 Cavalero, Edmond, The Last Fling, 25-1 Dark Stranger, Djeddah, Red Marauder, 33-1 bar.
