2015 winner Many Clouds heads field of 40 for Grand National

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) Many Clouds heads a 40-horse field for the Grand National on Saturday and will carry top weight as he looks to become the first back-to-back winner of the world's most grueling horse race since Red Rum in 1974.

There was no place in the lineup for 2014 winner Pineau De Re at the 48-hour final declaration stage on Thursday. Alvarado, who finished fourth the last two years, also missed the cut.

Many Clouds is the 7-1 favorite with many British bookmakers and will carry 74 kilograms around the tough Aintree course. He will be ridden by Leighton Aspell, who is seeking to become the first jockey to win the Grand National for three straight years.