Walk in The Mill moved up to number 48 in the list after this week’s latest acceptance stage, so is not yet guaranteed a run in the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree on April 6.
The touch-and-go situation is an uncomfortable reminder for Walford of his disappointment, in different circumstances, 12 months ago – when Walk In The Mill had a place in the race only to be ruled out by lameness on the day.
The nine-year-old, a top-priced 33-1, has since demonstrated his aptitude for the course by winning the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences in December.
Walford said: “He’s well, but he’s no good thing to get in.
“It’s just one of those things. We need eight out – (but) we’re training him for the race, and he’s in good form.”
The Dorset trainer has a contingency plan in mind.
“If he doesn’t get in we might run in the Scottish National, I suppose,” he said. "We’ll enter him in that and see.
“My feeling was when we entered with his rating of 144 we’re bound to get a run, but I’m not confident at the moment.”