TOP racehorse trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies predicts: "I think I will win the Grand National this year."

And to prove it, the man who sent out Earth Summit to triumph four years ago, is set to run his three contenders in Haydock Park's De Vere Gold Cup.

The £100,000 race is the most valuable in Britain this weekend (February 23) -- and Haydock's card has the most prize money overall.

The contenders from the Gloucestershire yard of Nigel Twiston-Davies, whose assistant trainer is BBC TV racing pundit Peter Scudamore, are Beau, Bindaree and Frantic Tan.

Frantic Tan won the De Vere Gold Cup last year and landed a monster gamble on the day among punters at Haydock and nationwide. Beau was unlucky in the Grand National itself, when jockey Carl Llewellyn lost his reins with the horse travelling well.

Joining them in the race -- which will be broadcast to an audience of millions on BBC TV -- will be Haydock Park's own racehorse Streamstown, as well as Haydock specialists The Last Fling and Kingsmark, who is set to carry the top weight.

Seventeen horses have been confirmed five days before the race subject to overnight declarations on Friday.

The supporting race -- the Devereonline.co.uk Handicap Chase -- has attracted an interesting entry from Grand National winning trainer Ted Walsh, in his Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Rince Ri.

The first race at Haydock on Saturday, February 23, is due off at 1.10pm. Entry is £13 to the combined Newton and Tattersalls Enclosure, £22 to the County Enclosure, and £35 to the Premier Enclosure on the third floor of the Centenary Grandstand. Accompanied children under 16 enter free. More details on www.haydock-park.com.