JP McManus, the owner with an enviable line-up for this year's has a particular soft spot for one gelding. And it's 10/1 lurker Iroko who has captured attention as the best of his bunch.

is a titan in the of National Hunt racing, and his list of iconic equine athletes owned by the Limerick-born magnate is seemingly endless. His stable has been home to legendary horses from the mighty Istabraq to Inothewayurthinkin, the recent victor.

Last year, McManus celebrated his third National victory with I Am Maximus, guided by jockey Paul Townend. And his green and gold colours once again look set to dominate the four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong race.

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However, it's seven-year-old Iroko, who put up a commendable performance at last year's meeting, that McManus has singled out as "his National horse." That's despite the fact reigning champion I Am Maximus is back as the bookies' favourite.

Iroko joined McManus' ranks in 2021 after some impressive performances in France. He was then entrusted to the capable hands of training duo Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

His debut under their guidance was in a juvenile hurdle at Chepstow, where he finished fourth. But things quickly improved. The Cokoriko offspring clinched a hat trick at the in early 2023.

One year later, he was entered into the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree following a run in the Turners Novices' Chase in the Cotswolds the previous month. It was here that Iroko gallantly finished second to eventual Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, after which McManus made it clear to Iroko's trainers where his future lay.

"It's crazy how it has panned out [the Mildmay form]," Guerriero told the Racing Post (via the revealing his high hopes for Iroko. "JP said as soon as he walked back in the winner's enclosure at Aintree that he [Iroko] is my National horse for next year, so from then on, we have had our target on the race.

"He missed most of his novice season over fences, but he's consequently quite unexposed. We're very hopeful the extended trip will suit him. All his best work is at the end of his races, and we wouldn't have any doubt he will enjoy the step up in distance."

Iroko stands among five horses owned by McManus with a secured spot in the National, with several topping the betting markets. Last year's champion, I Am Maximus, trained by is tipped by many to clinch victory again, aiming to follow in the hoofprints of Tiger Roll, who won back-to-back in 2018/19.

Perceval Legallois, under the tutelage of Gold Cup victor Gavin Cromwell, will be ridden by Mark Walsh as they chase the illustrious double. Meetingofthewaters is another frontrunner, ready to prove himself with Mullins, while Chantry House - from Nicky Henderson's stable - enters as an underdog.

Despite the stiff competition, McManus pinpointed Iroko as one to watch at this event last year. And the team is thrilled with his "perfect" performance, securing second place in the bet365 Premier Chase at Kelso in March.

"He's come out of it very well. He seems fresh and well," added Guerriero. "I think it was actually good that he didn't get in too much of a battle with Grey Dawning, and it was probably the perfect prep run.

"It was probably his best performance on paper - Grey Dawning is a very good horse - and he's obviously enjoyed it, and he's gone a fair gallop. It was a quick time, so we were delighted. He looked good, and he's come back fresh and well."