Derek Fox is confident Corach Rambler can do the Tiger Roll in the Grand National

Derek Fox is the most successful rider in this year's £1m Grand National.

He is the only rider in the industry to have won the world famous race twice.

His first success came on the Lucinda Russell-trained One For Arthur in 2017 and he won again on Corach Rambler, also trained by Russell, at Aintree 12 months ago.

Corach Rambler is favorite to rob Scotland and emulate double winner Tiger Roll, who won in 2018 and 2019.

Fox, 31, sat down with AceOdds to talk about his hopes in an exclusive interview with Mirror Racing.

How do you rate your chances of winning the Grand National this year?

"It's very exciting to go in on a horse who is 5/1 favourite. I think he's deserved his price and he's prepared superbly. Although he hasn't won a race this year, he's been aiming very high. His last two runs were in Grade One races, and his preparation has been going really well. After watching him ride in the morning and stuff, I rode him a few works myself and he feels good. I couldn't wait for his preparation to get any better, which is rare to say, but so far he hasn't had a single bite. I think that's a big plus for any horse."

How much did your performance in the Gold Cup raise expectations before the race?

"I wouldn't say it got my hopes up. It's just reassuring that he's at his best and he's been running at his best. That he's shown no sign of abating in his ability or his enthusiasm for racing. It's clear that the Grand National can leave its mark on a lot of horses. On the other hand Tiger Roll has done it twice in the last few years and I think this year's Gold Cup gives you the confidence to think he's at his best and still enjoying the competition."

How worried were you about possibly missing the Grand National because of the ban?

"I was disqualified at Newcastle on Monday night in the last race over hurdles. I was told they were worried about the excessive force I was using, but I was sure I wasn't too strong on him. . I'd just say I was strong rather than strong. That happened, but it was two period of the day where I was very worried. It's like anything, you don't want dark clouds hanging over you. For a race like this. It's a huge opportunity for me and Corach and it was just a huge worry for two days. But luckily I've got the ban lifted and everything systems go.

In the past you've had last-minute scares before previous Grand National successes. So do you think this could be a good sign for you?

"It hasn't been an injury this time. I had two terrible scares before the last two winners with minor injuries. Luckily I got through them. You can get your head down and strength through a minor injury, but don't be told you're out for the day , you couldn't do much — just sit. laugh afterwards. But I'm just glad it's out of the way for now anyway."

What do you think is the secret to your success at Aintree with Lucinda Russell?

"I think Lucinda does a great job of buying the right type of horses for the chase in general, and then staying in the chase is where she comes into her own when training them. She does a great conditioning job with them and, you know, they get very fit. It's about they're well bought and well trained, and I think that's why I've had so much luck and success with them."