TRAINER Ginger McCain exclaimed: 'I'm going to Liverpool with my tail right up!' as Ebony Light galloped into contention for the 2006 John Smith's Aintree Grand National with a smooth victory in the three-mile Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last Saturday.

Jockey Steve Craine placed the 33-1 outsider in second place behind Lord Transcend throughout the first circuit before galloping clear on the far side of the course. The result was never in doubt despite a late rally from Kingscliff who finished nine lengths in arrears giving the winner 20-pounds in weight.

McCain, of Cholmondeley, said: 'Make no mistake, he's going to Liverpool. He's come good this season, he's matured and is very well in himself.

'This is a magical day and we'll go to Liverpool with two horses for my Grand National finale.'

Ebony Light earned a quote of 25-1 from Ladbrokes for the unique marathon and his performance should secure him a place in the handicap when the Aintree weights are announced next month.

Lisa Williamson has been training at Saighton for 10 years and remains a hands-on trainer who treats every horse as an individual.

Head lass, Hazel Roberts of Guilden Sutton, oversees the horses' well-being and feeding programmes.

The yard will be having a greater presence on the flat during 2006 with a team of four two-year-olds who were broken on the farm and are now cantering.

An unnamed gelding by Efisio will run in the colours of Eaton Field Racing and provided he fulfils the early ability he is revealing on the gallops, the plan is for him to go to Chester in May with a run under his belt.

New recruit to the yard is Michael Gallagher who undertook the excellent training provided by the Northern Racing School at Doncaster before moving to the Williamson yard from Manchester. Gallagher is a natural sportsman who is very ambitious and keen to learn.

'He's done a lot of schooling over fences but the test will be his first ride between the flags,' said Williamson.

The veteran How Ran On should prove a brilliant schoolmaster for Gallagher but as he is a firm ground horse it will be later in the season before he comes under starters' orders.

Ammunition for the current pointing season includes Minnigaff, by Supreme Leader, who starts his pointing career as a maiden following a wind operation.

The six-year-old ran in Northumberland last Sunday jumping well and heading the field until three out when he blew up. Williamson explained: 'He'll come on for the run and needs a flat track with better ground.'

The string currently racing under rules includes the eye-catching Golden Harmony. This big strong type has plenty of substance and should be ready to run in the spring on the northern circuit.

Red Square Lad is a horse with huge potential but has been plagued with leg problems. He lost his novice tag and showed his ability when winning a hunter chase at Leicester last season and is expected out in February.

Four-year-old Highliner is a juvenile hurdling prospect who finished in second place on his first outing at Lingfield when meeting traffic problems in running.

Multiple winner Colliers Court will come back into full training in the spring for an autumn campaign.

Lambrini Queen will not be rushed in her preparation as she was very down on her front joints as a foal.

'She's a big girl and stands at 17.1 hands, a giant four-year-old who is well put together and going nicely at home' explained Williamson.

Provided there is a suitable race on the card for Lost In Normandy, he may run at the next Bangor-on-Dee meeting on February 10, the scene of a previous victory.

Lambrini Bianco is also race fit and should run next month.