"An impossible dream" is how French trainer Francois Doumen describes the prospect of winning the John Smith's Grand National.
It is not surprising the Chantilly-based handler feels that way as there has been only two Gallic winners in the 169-year of the world's most famous race.
And they came in its early days with the Harry Lamplugh-trained pair Huntsman (1862) and Cortolvin (1867).
"It's such a very long time ago," remarked Doumen, who hopes to saddle the full-brothers L'Ami and Kelami for the second successive year.
He has been trying to win the National since 1994 and admits luck has not been on his side.
"I first tried with The Fellow and then in 1998 with Ciel De Brion. He was ridden by my son Thierry, who was 18 at the time," he said.
Ciel De Brion fell at the 26th fence, but Doumen and his son were back two years later with Djeddah, who went on to make four successive appearances at Aintree.
Although he completed the course twice, finishing ninth in 2000 and 11th in 2003, Djeddah would have gone close to winning the race for France but for meeting trouble in running one year.
"Once he was brought down when he was in a superb position to finish in the first four. That was a big regret of mine," Doumen went on.
After Kelami was brought down at the first fence in 2004, Innox gave Doumen his best finishing position to date when seventh behind Hedgehunter in 2005, only to exit at the first 12 months later when First Gold unseated his rider at the 23rd.
L'Ami got round in 10th spot last year, but Kelami was pulled up.
L'Ami has come down in the ratings this season and showed his well-being when third to An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.
"He ran a very good race. He is going to be perfectly sharp enough for the big race and he'll be all right this year," said Doumen.
"Obviously he has a better chance considering that his weight is a bit more favourable."
Kelami is not yet guaranteed a place in the line-up, but the Racing Post Chase runner-up was only six away at the last forfeit stage.
"There are still six to go, so he might get in. I hope so really because he ran a superb race in the Racing Post Chase and deserves to run. It would be good to have two brothers in the race," he continued.
Doumen has already claimed the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase among his triumphs in Britain, but a National success would eclipse them all.
"I'd love to win the race, of course I would," he added.
"It looks like an impossible dream, but we have our job to do and the horses are in superb condition.
"What you need is for luck to turn the right way."
Should that be the case then Doumen's dream just might come true.
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