On the 5th of April at 4pm, the Grand National, one of the biggest races in the world, will take place at Aintree Racecourse.
Attracting over 150,000 people across the three-day festival, the race promises to offer an exciting day for those at the track and those viewing at home. It consists of 34 horses, 30 fences, and a £500,000 jackpot for the winner. Famous winners like Tiger Roll, Red Rum and Rule the World have become national heroes.
I am Maximus is vying to win a second National in consecutive years, but form is not on his side and carrying top weight of 11st 12lbs won’t help his chances at odds of 14/1.
Big factors to consider in this race would include age, with seven of the last ten winners being between the ages of 8 and 9. Stamina is a big factor in this race with the Grand National being run over 4m3f.
William Hill – Official Betting Partner Of The Randox Grand National Festival
Inothewayurthinkin 7/1
Inothewayurthinkin currently sits at the top of the market with a rating of 160 and weight of 11-5. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, the horse has been progressing with every race this season.
His last outing saw him finishing fourth in the Irish Gold Cup, only seven lengths behind Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs. A mistake four out and jumping right from there on in offered hope for further improvement on that effort. Breeding-wise this seven-year-old is strong coming from Walk In The Park, who was 2023/24 Champion National Hunt Sire.
Although he heads the market at 7/1, keep in mind that Cromwell is yet to decide whether or not he will take his chance in the National.
Stumptown 20/1
This 8-year-old trained by Gavin Cromwell is sure to offer great each way claims. Currently at 20/1 and carrying a weight of 11st 2lbs, there is a real chance this horse could pull through the pack over the last half mile. He has won well on both starts this season and although that may not have helped him in the handicap, he will head to Aintree in great form.
One key factor that makes this an attractive selection his his ability to go very well on soft ground, with heavy not being an issue either. Winning the Cross Country Handicap Chase last time out at the Cheltenham December meeting was a real statement of intent. The stamina of this horse cannot be understated and we could see him staying on well to sneak a place.
Kandoo Kid 25/1
At nine years old and trained by top trainer Paul Nicholls, Kandoo Kid is sure to offer a good chance of a place finish. Seven of the last ten winners have been aged eight or nine, so he fits the bill in that criteria.
He proved his stamina when winning at Newbury over 3m2f and with top jockey Harry Cobden likely to take the ride, it would be silly to disregard this horse. Ground should not be an issue, while a recent wind operation appears to have improved results and should help him stay the trip. He also ran well over the Gra
Nine years old, Nigel Twiston-Davies tnd National fences last April, finishing third in the Topham despite losing a shoe.
Beauport 40/1
Nine years old, Nigel Twiston-Davies trained and has no issues with the trip. What’s not to like? Beauport already has a Midlands Grand National success to his name and with that coming on heavy ground, testing conditions on the day would be no issue.
Stamina is clearly not a problem and this will be what puts this horse into contention towards the final stages. Form of 1P-132, with wins coming over the longer trip, suggests the odds don’t match the horse’s ability or potential. If he runs to the best of his ability, he could certainly be in with a shout as they approach the Elbow. At a price of 40/1 with four places available, Twiston-Davies’ charge looks well worth an each way swing.
