Aintree NAP of the Day: Day 3 Of The 2025 Grand National Meeting

Our writer picks out his best bet on Day 3 at the 2025 Grand National meeting but which horse is his NAP of the Day at Aintree on Saturday?

4.00 Aintree – VANILLIER (NAP) 

Our William Hill Racing Ambassador Gavin Cromwell trains the popular grey Vanillier and believes the ten-year-old is in with a great chance this year. 

“We’re hoping that Vanillier will be able to go having finished second in the race a couple of years ago. He’s off a nice weight and seems in good form. His last two runs have been really good so if he goes, I should think he’d have a live chance.”  

Vanillier will be looking to right the wrongs of a recent Cheltenham steering debacle in the most important steeplechase of the year. After failing to reel in Corach Rambler two years ago and then putting up a now show last year, you may wonder why he should be given another chance, but there are still plenty of boxes that he ticks. 

The application of blinkers has sparked new life into Vanillier, evident for the first time at Punchestown when demolishing his rivals from the front in a cross-country race. Cast your minds back and it wasn’t too dissimilar to when he ran away with the 2021 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. 

That eye-catching third behind stable companion Stumptown in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has certainly got the punters interested in the horse racing betting market for the National. 

Cross country racing really seems to have perked him up and he is back on the same mark that saw him finish second to Corach Rambler. With his new headgear, and his new zest for the task in hand, it’s not difficult to see him playing a leading role in this year’s renewal of the Grand National. 

*Check out our latest Grand National betting here*