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The Guardian
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Grand National 2025: horse-by-horse guide to all the runners
There was a lot going on in the spring of 1974. Abba won Eurovision, Manchester United were relegated and Red Rum became the most recent horse to win the Grand National under what was then the top weight of 12 stone. Just over half a century later, last year's winner will attempt to emulate the greatest Aintree hero of them all and defy top weight, and though he is higher in the ratings, he won so readily 12 months ago that he would surely have done so with another 8lb on his back. Lacklustre in two runs this campaign but Willie Mullins will have been working backwards from here and he seems highly likely to leave that form behind now he is back at the scene of his greatest triumph. Verdict: classy acceleration to seal victory last year, big chance to repeat from 8lb higher mark It is a sign of the consistently high standard in a modern National that several runners towards the top of the weights have previously won a race at Grade One level – the pinnacle of jumps racing. Only Venetia Williams's 11-year-old, though, has done so in the current season, having landed the Betfair Chase at Haydock for the second year running back in November. He is very much a Haydock specialist, however and also prefers deep ground to show his best form, so two important boxes remain unticked, while 11 would be an unusually advanced age for a modern National winner. Verdict: top-class at Haydock and when the mud is flying. Will not have either here The six-runner squad from Willie Mullins's stable this year is two short of last year's eight-strong challenge, but there is more strength in depth and this is the third Mullins runner near the top of the weights with very plausible claims. Spring ground seems to bring out the best in him and he was a close third – behind yet another fancied stable companion, Minella Cocooner – in the big end-of-season chase at Sandown last year. Also has fair form with both Intense Raffles and Perceval Legallois, albeit on better terms than today's, and with Patrick Mullins holding the reins, a first father/son success since Papillon for Ted and Ruby Walsh in 2000 is no forlorn hope. Verdict: loves spring ground and in the mix, but worse off with a couple of rivals on recent form Arrives at Aintree having had the bare minimum of six starts over fences required to qualify for the line-up, and one of the half-dozen was a Grade One win and another, a close second in the Irish Gold Cup in February with two subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners further down the field. It is the profile of a horse with untapped potential and must have made him a devilishly difficult runner for Martin Greenwood, the handicapper, to assess, but the decision to give him just 4lb less to carry than last year's comfortable winner, for his first start beyond an extended three miles, does not scream Good Samaritan levels of generosity. Verdict: decent form already and best days still ahead of him but not cut much slack by the handicapper Came with a rare old rattle to win the King George VI Chase, one of the season's most prestigious Grade One events, at Kempton in December 2023, prompting raucous scenes in the winner's enclosure as Shark Hanlon, his larger-than-life trainer, led the celebrations as only he can. Technically at least, he switched to Tara Lee Cogan mid-season while the trainer served a six-month suspension, but Hanlon returned in time to saddle him for a confidence-boosting win over hurdles last month. A high-class chaser who stays well and loves spring ground, and very much in the mix. Verdict: the 2023 King George winner will love the ground and the trip but might lack a gear-change when it matters The winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, no less, back in 2021, and a very commendable third in this race 12 months ago having held a narrow lead over the last. For a stride or two, it looked as though Rachael Blackmore might be on the way to a second National triumph, but his age started to show as I Am Maximus, three years his junior, sprinted clear on the run-in. This is his second chance to become only the third horse – after Golden Miller and L'Escargot – to win both the Gold Cup and the National, but he is just 1lb lower in the weight ratings and a whole year older this time around, so will do well just to match last year's performance. Verdict: big run last year and can't get classier than a Gold Cup winner but may have missed best chance Seemed to have the jumping world at his hooves after running out a 24-length winner of the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2021, but has had a stop-start career ever since and a six-length win in January was his first since his novice season in in 2022/23. Like his stable companion, Grangeclare West, he is running in a handicap for the first time, but has much more form in the book to give the assessor a steer and looks far less likely to improve for the marathon trip. Verdict: outstanding novice over hurdles, yet to show same form over fences or at an extended trip The fifth representative of Team Mullins in the top nine in the weights is without a win this season, but that has not stopped him creeping steadily closer to the market leaders in the betting in recent weeks as the likelihood of decent ground has increased. His popularity is not simply down to a narrow success on good going in last season's Bet365 Gold Cup – although it is a compelling piece of form in the circumstances – but also a close third behind Intense Raffles in last year's Irish Grand National. Behind both Nick Rockett and Intense Raffles in the Bobbyjo in February but will find the Aintree trip and conditions right up his street if, as seems likely, the National has been the plan for the best part of a year. Verdict: right blend of speed, class and stamina for a modern National, but yet to show his best form this year A dual Grade One winner in Ireland back in 2022, but without a win of any kind since the second of those successes and beat just one rival home on his sole start at anything close to the National trip. Has been keeping decent company for the most part and travelled well in a handicap at Cheltenham last time until a bad mistake two out. There are few runners this year that can be easily dismissed, and here's the exception to prove the rule. Verdcit: one-time top chaser under the right conditions. This isn't the time, or the right conditions Gavin Cromwell briefly had the 3-1 National favourite in his yard before Inothewayurthinkin, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, was scratched in mid-March, but his other winner at last month's Cheltenham festival - where he carried top weight to victory in the Cross Country Handicap – could prove a very able deputy. Several Aintree heroes of recent years, including the dual winner Tiger Roll, have either won or run well over those unusual obstacles as an Aintree prep, and it was noticeable that Stumptown's stamina did not kick in until very late in the day. Verdict: Cross Country winner at Cheltenham under top weight, well in on these terms if he runs to the same level Part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson but has developed a very un-Fergie-like habit of succumbing to last-gasp defeats. Finished second for the third year running in the Denman Chase at Newbury in February - the 10th time in all that he has filled the runner-up's spot in 23 starts over fences – and appeared to be simply outstayed by the winner, which does not bode well for his chance of getting home over an extra mile-and-a-quarter. Verdict: outstayed over 3m last time, even the Hairdryer Treatment from part-owner Sir Alex unlikely to get him home Bryan Burrough's blue and orange colours are already a part of Aintree folklore having been aboard Jenny Pitman's Corbiere, the first National winner saddled by a female trainer, in 1983. Forty-two years on, his latest contender has Grade One quality over hurdles allied with limitless stamina, as evidenced by wins in both the Midlands and Berkshire Nationals in 2024. His previously iffy jumping has also been much improved this season, and the course should be more forgiving than it was in Corbiere's era if he does throw in the odd mistake. All in all, Nigel Twiston-Davies's gelding has plenty in the credit column for a horse priced up at 33-1 and each-way backers could get a big run for their money. Verdict: dual winner of lesser Nationals and Grade One quality over hurdles: the potential sweet spot for Aintree these days? Few would have believed it after his wide-margin win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton in December 2022, but the Boxing Day feature is still the most recent victory on his record after 11 subsequent starts and there have been distinct signs in recent months of irreversible decline. Paul Nicholls, of course, has a fine record of bringing horses back to their best on the big days, but he has also looked like a weak finisher at time and younger, keener rivals are likely to have his measure. Verdict: top-class at his best but on a long losing run and decline has been gathering pace A prolific winner in his novice season over fences, including a Grade One double at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in 2021, but has become increasingly unreliable with age and acquired a Timeform 'squiggle'. Was an odds-shot when he became JP McManus's 4,000th winner as an owner when he won the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in 2022, but his chance of becoming McManus's fourth winner of the Grand National are at least 50 points bigger. Verdict: useful novice chaser but nothing like the force of old and less reliable by the season His fourth-place finish in the Scottish Grand National in 2023 is a standout piece of form in the context of this race, but two years later it looks more like a career-high. Also looks like something of an Ascot specialist these days – which is a right-handed track, unlike left-handed Aintree – so his fair run into a close second there last time out is perhaps not as encouraging as it might seem. Does at least have consistency on his side, but it takes much more than that to win a National. Verdict: a sound jumper and stayer who is likely to get round, but a big career-best required to make the frame Like Stumptown, a runner for Gavin Cromwell's Gold Cup-winning yard, and a fascinating 'dark' horse to boot. He landed an ultra-competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February, backing up a win in a similarly warm race over fences at the same track at Christmas when Nick Rockett was back in fourth, and he renews rivalry on 2lb better terms. In early versions of the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, it was Perceval Legallois, and not Sir Galahad, who was packed off to look for the Holy Grail. His latter-day namesake might just be the one to bring it home on Saturday. Verdict: big-field form, on the upgrade and potential improver for the step up, a must for any shortlist Put away until the National weights were out after winning one of the most competitive handicap chases in the first part of the year, and the sense of satisfaction mixed with expectation that radiated from Paul Nicholls on that chilly November afternoon is still fresh in the mind. A pity, then, that he put a distinct blot on his form back at Newbury in early March, finishing a lacklustre eighth over two-and-a-half miles. He should improve for the return to a more suitable trip, but there is still a nagging sense that you should not be trying to make excuses for a potential National winner. Verdict: fair chance on his winning form in November but nowhere close to that level last time The only runner from a British stable priced up below 20-1 and deservedly so, despite what is, on the face of it, a somewhat uninspiring record of just one win in seven starts over fences. Came good in the spring of his novice season over hurdles with a win at the Cheltenham festival, and his half-dozen starts since a winning chase debut have all carried hints that he is building up to something big. Latest second behind the top-class Grey Dawning was a new career-best on ratings and he was staying on again at the line. Arguably little juice left in his price, but a big chance all the same. Verdict: plenty in the book to suggest he is building towards a big run, arrives off new career-best It's all been about the National for Tom Gibney's seven-year-old since his win in the Irish Grand National in April last year. There were two low-key runs over hurdles – where he finished ninth of 20 and 14th of 19, not that it matters – before the Aintree weights came out, and then a much-improved return to fences in the Bobbyjo at Navan, often a key Aintree trial. He was second behind Nick Rockett there but looked much the likelier of the pair to appreciate a return to a well-run race over a longer trip. Verdict: has been aimed at this for the last 11 months, and track, trip and weight all look ideal Arrives with the minimum six races required to get a run, and was a big fancy for the valuable Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November where he ran well to finish sixth, though his jumping was a little ragged in the closing stages. It's arguable that jumping isn't the key here any more, however, and has a very fair weight for a horse with his best days in front of him. Rachael Blackmore could have ridden him, though, and opted for Minella Indo instead, which dampens enthusiasm slightly. Verdict: attractive profile for a modern National contender, but passed over by the stable jockey A rebuff to anyone who claimed that the romance of the Grand National is dead, Richard Phillips's 11-year-old was bought for £60,000 a few months ago by a group of friends styling themselves the Dozen Dreamers. In their dreams is the only place he is likely to be making much of a show, though, as there is next to nothing in his form to offer encouragement and every reason to think he is on the downslope of his career. Verdict: cheaper for his owners to buy a grandstand ticket, but not nearly as much fun Has a rating that gets him a run in a National thanks to a decent career in mainly second-tier events over fences, and after an excellent season as a four-year-old over hurdles. But there's just one win on his record – in a two-horse race at odds of 1-50 – since he was sold for an eye-watering €620,000 in February 2024, and has no form over an extended trip to suggest that he will repay any of that on Saturday. Ouch. Verdict: has not matched his hurdling form over fences and nothing in the book over a marathon trip Noble Yeats, at 50-1, broke the long losing streak of seven-year-olds in the National just three years ago, which shows it can be done. He did at least arrive at Aintree in decent form, though, whereas this one is struggling to recapture his early promise earlier in the season. Ran Kandoo Kid to less than two lengths in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November but has been way below his best in two outings since and his run in the Ultima at Cheltenham – when he set off as a fancied 11-1 shot – was too bad to be true. Verdict: realistic chance on his best form this season, none at all on his latest start Back for his fourth attempt to win a Grand National, after three previous outings with no whiff of a reason to think he has it in him to win. Was an obvious non-stayer in both 2022 and 2023 after racing up with the pace for a circuit-and-a-half, and then again last year under a more restrained ride, when he crossed the line 33 lengths behind I Am Maximus. If you picked him in the office sweep, it is definitely not your lucky day. Verdict: proven non-stayer in 2022, never mind 2023 and 2024, and you can't change what's in their genes Had three different jockeys in as many days earlier in the week, as first Bryony Frost and then Jonathan Burke informed Paul Nicholls that, having agreed to take the ride, they had to stay home to wash their hair. Or something. In Burke's case, the something was a booking for a very live contender in Minella Cocooner (and Frost was required in France) but the bottom line is that this is a horse struggling – and failing – to recapture the form of his youth over hurdles, when he was a Grade One winner in the three-mile novice at Cheltenham. Verdict: jockeys have been getting off him instead of trying to get on, best to take the hint The last of Willie Mullins's six runners in weight order is a lot further down the list than his five stable companions, a point that the trainer noted favourably when the handicap was published in February. But it is much the same mark that he had last year – 1lb higher, in fact – and he was 16 lengths behind I Am Maximus at the line then, while his two chase starts this season have not suggested that his form has gone up another notch or two. Verdict: same sort of chance as 12 months ago, no recent signs he might find the necessary improvement Hit the headlines in the run-up to this race last year amid speculation that Jonjo O'Neill's gelding might be among the £75m of assets of his former owners, Doug Barrowman and Michelle Mone, that had been frozen during an investigation into £202m of contracts awarded to their firm PPE Medpro during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was, as it turned out, free to race, but was scratched a few weeks before Aintree and later sold to new owners at the O'Neill yard. It is, on the face of it, the kind of tangled back story that often attaches itself to a National winner, and he broke a long losing run on heavy ground at Uttoxeter last time out. Quicker ground at Aintree will be a big issue, though, as all he does is stay. Verdict: ended long losing run on heavy going last time but needs it deep to slow the others down Lost his way somewhat after a fine staying-on second behind Corach Rambler in this race two years ago, when he started his run from the outskirts of Ormskirk, but blinkers for his last two starts, both over cross-country courses, have sparked a definite renaissance and he did particularly well to finish eight lengths behind Stumptown at Cheltenham last month having lost all of that and more when his jockey nearly took the wrong course. Place claims at least on that form, though one or two rivals might do him for speed from the last. Verdict: probably missed best chance two years ago but place claims on recent form with big fancy Stumptown If there is a runner in this year's that screams 'Netflix mini-series', it has to be this one. Bought online via the racing equivalent of eBay, and sent to a young Newmarket trainer less than six months into his solo career who has yet to saddle a single winner over jumps. Newmarket has not produced a National winner since Golden Miller in the 1930s so the plotlines are all there for one of the great Aintree stories, and Michael Keady's runner is at least a sound jumper who should get around. What really takes some believing, though, is that Willie Mullins would ever let him go if he felt he still had a Grand National in him. Verdict: fairytale runner for young trainer, but sold for a reason by the best stable in the business Gaping holes on otherwise glittering training cvs do not come much bigger than the one on Nicky Henderson's record where the Grand National should be. The first of his 43 runners in the race – Zongalero, in 1979 – finished second, as did The Tsarevich eight years later, but it has otherwise been a near 50-year tale of woe, with more than half of his starters failing to finish. Still, every trend is there to be broken and there is plenty to like about Hyland's profile: right age, just six runs over fences, form in Grade One company and a promising run last time out, when he was second in a well-run race at Kempton. Could well be Henderson's best chance for at least 20 years, though he might just lack the finishing speed of a few classier rivals. Verdict: looking to break the Henderson duck, better chance than most recent runners from the yard The only teenager in this year's field does at least have some idea of what to expect, having lined up for the Topham Chase over these fences in April 2023 and then Becher Chase eight months later. He finished both races, but looked likely to play a hand in the finish of the latter contest until his stamina visibly drained away after jumping the last. Has an extra mile or so to cover today and will not be threatening Sergeant Murphy's 102-year-old status as the last 13-year-old to win the National. Verdict: too old and too slow, and looked like a non-stayer too Looks much the best of Gordon Elliott's five-strong team for this year's race but that's not saying much as the other four are all priced up at 66-1 or bigger. Has the bare six chase starts in the book but only one win, in a beginners' race at Navan in January, and his jumping was also a little scrappier than usual when he was beaten in Grade Two at the same track a month later. The two horses in front of him there went on to finish second and third in a Grade One at Cheltenham, but the balance of his form suggests a relatively short price owes more to his trainer's excellent record in the race. Verdict: lightly raced and has been keeping good company but hardly a blot on the handicap Shares a father with a Grand National winner as the 33-1 shot Rule The World, victorious in 2016, was also sired by Sulamani, who took the French Derby in 2002. That, though, is about as tenuous as it gets in the search for an Aintree bet, and while he spent the early part of the season running over hurdles to protect his handicap mark, there was next to nothing about his return to chasing in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster in March that offers real encouragement. Verdict: trained all year with this race in mind, but no sign of the class or finishing speed required to figure Managed to sneak in at the bottom of the weights but has just one win in 13 starts over fences and that was off a rating more than a stone below his mark here. He was, admittedly, in the process of outrunning his odds of 50-1 when he was brought down in a race at Cheltenham's festival last month, but not to the extent that he could be on anyone's mind for a National. Verdict: exposed as a mid-ranking handicapper at best, carries the lowest weight in the race for a reason
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Grand National pinstickers' guide to runners
Randox Grand National 2025Venue: Aintree Racecourse Date: Saturday, 5 April Time: 16:00 BSTCoverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live. Racecards, live text, results & reports on the BBC Sport website and app. Runners, riders, trainers and form - all the key details you need to know for Saturday's big race at Colours and approximate odds may change.(Racecard number, horse, trainer, jockey, recent form, age, weight carried [ie 11st 12lb is top weight]. Form: F - Fell, P - Pulled up, U - Unseated rider.)Verdict: Lots with chances but Senior Chief could still be improving, while Hewick looks primed to run well.1 Senior Chief 2 Hewick 3 Stumptown 4 Iroko 1. I Am Maximus Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Paul TownendForm: 311-P8 Age: 9 Weight: 11-12Convincing victor last year, having won the Irish National 12 months earlier, and could well be in the shake-up again. Pinpointed two months ago by 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy - who advises the owner - as the pick of JP McManus' stellar squad. Would be the first horse carrying top weight to triumph since the legendary Red Rum in the 8/10 Odds: 10-1 2. Royale Pagaille Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie DeutschForm: F-1P66 Age: 11 Weight:11-9Thrives in different conditions, at Haydock in the mud – scene of five of his seven career victories, including back-to-back runnings of the Betfair Chase. Past three runs have been disappointing. Owned by flamboyant former banker Rich Ricci, you might not get rich backing this one although trainer did triumph with 100-1 outsider Mon Mome in 5/10 Odds: 125-1 3. Nick Rockett Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Patrick MullinsForm: 73-411 Age: 8 Weight: 11-8Owner Stewart Andrew clearly thinks he's a rocket - he eyed Cheltenham Gold Cup, but trainer preferred to go for the National. Would be an emotional winner as Andrew's wife Sadie died in December 2022, five days after watching Nick Rockett in his first race. A winner of the Thyestes Chase then Bobbyjo Chase, where Intense Raffles was runner-up, but that rival better off at the weights here. Jockey rides for trainer 7/10 Odds: 25-1 4. Grangeclare West Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Brian HayesForm: 1-P625 Age: 9 Weight: 11-8Would be a poignant winner as the last horse bought for owners Cheveley Park Stud by joint boss David Thompson at the end of 2020, just 19 days before his death. Runner-up in Irish Gold Cup to Galopin Des Champs at 66-1 when finishing ahead of subsequent Cheltenham winners Fact To File and Inothewayurthinkin. Drying ground should 7/10 Odds: 25-1 5. Hewick Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon Jockey: Gavin SheehanForm: 232571 Age: 10 Weight: 11-7An £800 bargain buy who has won big races including the King George VI Chase, Bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and American Grand National. Trainer, nicknamed 'Shark', has taken horse into local pub to celebrate victories, and believes he could be sent off favourite. Well backed in lead-up to race, would be suited by dry spell with good going right up his 8/10 Odds: 10-1 6. Minella Indo Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE) Jockey: Rachael BlackmoreForm: 443-26 Age: 12 Weight: 11-3Looked a potential winner last year in closing stages before finishing third. Triumphed in 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer, who won National a month later with stablemate Minella Times as Rachael Blackmore became first female jockey to win the race. Could easily be prominent again for her although would be some effort to become only third horse to complete Gold Cup-National 7/10 Odds: 33-1 7. Appreciate It Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Sean O'KeeffeForm: 2-5351 Age: 11 Weight: 11-2Showed bundles of promise when winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival four years ago but much of that has been unfulfilled. Won for the first time in two years last time out at Thurles. Not the most obvious victor in trainer's talented team and no guarantee at all that he will appreciate this marathon 6/10 Odds: 66-1 8. Minella Cocooner Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Jonathan BurkeForm: 0-8P43 Age: 9 Weight: 11-2While powerful trainer has other hopefuls, including last year's winner, don't let this one go under the radar. Third under top weight to Intense Raffles in last year's Irish Grand National before winning Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Breeding and form point to potential for big run. Minella horses take their name from a Tipperary family hotel run by racehorse trader John 7/10 Odds: 25-1 9. Conflated Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: TBCForm: U58708 Age: 11 Weight: 11-2Boasts some decent form including Irish Gold Cup win, when Minella Indo was second, albeit that was three years ago. Has run well at this meeting before, including a good second to Jonbon over shorter distance last year. Trainer seeking fourth victory in race, but suspicion is age, weight and longer trip may be against this 6/10 Odds: 66-1 10. Stumptown Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Jockey: Keith DonoghueForm: -U1111 Age: 11 Weight: 11-2Secured fourth straight victory of the season by winning Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham Festival in fine style last month. That is the same race Tiger Roll won before his 2018 and 2019 National triumphs. Stumptown's trainer went to town at Cheltenham by landing the Gold Cup with Inothewayurthinkin, who was then made hot favourite for this but skips the 8/10 Odds: 8-1 11. Hitman Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Freddie GingellForm: 83-222 Age: 9 Weight: 11-1Part-owned by former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Hitman has been a bit hit and miss. Has a habit of coming second - finishing runner-up in 11 of his 26 races - and this distance is a real unknown. Talented 19-year-old jockey credits much of his success to mother, Kim, who died in 2020 from cancer at the age of 5/10 Odds: 150-1 12. Beauport Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Jockey: Sam Twiston-DaviesForm: 1P-132 Age: 9 Weight: 11-1Jockey rides for trainer father, who has landed the race twice before. Winner of Midlands Grand National last year. Owner Bryan Burrough hoping for second success, 42 years after his colours were carried to victory by the Jenny Pitman-trained Corbiere. It's a tough ask but had a convincing victory over fences at Ascot earlier in season and stamina looks 7/10 Odds: 33-1 13. Bravemansgame Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: James ReveleyForm: 6-2383 Age: 10 Weight: 11-0Form has dipped since reaching top of his game two or three years ago. Won jump racing's festive showpiece, the King George VI Chase at Kempton, in 2022 and was second a year later. In between, finished runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Will take a brave man or woman to pick this one after an 11-race losing run. Stable jockey rides Kandoo 6/10 Odds: 50-1 14. Chantry House Trainer: Nicky Henderson Jockey: James BowenForm: 9-5515 Age: 11 Weight: 10-13Bit of an enigma. Was on a 10-race losing run when won well at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Maybe he was just in the party mood. Green and gold colours of owner JP McManus look more likely to succeed elsewhere, although there is a breeding positive - Chantry House's sire Yeats was also dad to 2022 National winner Noble 6/10 Odds: 66-1 15. Threeunderthrufive Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry SkeltonForm: 210-32 Age: 10 Weight: 10-12Named after owner Max McNeill's late father and ex-professional golfer Ted, who was three under par through five holes to lead The Open at Royal Portrush in 1951. Will the gelding be above or below par? Fourth in the Scottish National two years ago but well behind Minella Cocooner and Nick Rockett in last season's Bet365 Gold 6/10 Odds: 66-1 16. Perceval Legallois Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Jockey: Mark WalshForm: 286411 Age: 8 Weight: 10-12Another powerful weapon in the armoury of Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer, who also has Stumptown and Vanillier. A beaten favourite for both the Galway Plate and Kerry National but form of his Leopardstown win in December reads well and now takes a big step up in trip. Named after a 1970s film about a 12th Century knight, could he put his rivals to the sword here?Rating: 7/10 Odds: 12-1 17. Kandoo Kid Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry CobdenForm: P23-18 Age: 9 Weight: 10-11Decent third in Topham Chase over National fences last year. Won Coral Gold Cup, formerly the Hennessy, at Newbury in November. Only one horse, Many Clouds, has gone on to also win the National, though trainer thinks he can do it. He won in 2012 with Neptune Collonges and says the grey Kandoo Kid is the "ideal horse for the race".Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 18. Iroko Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill JrForm: 2-2F42 Age: 7 Weight: 10-11A Cheltenham Festival winner in 2023. Second at Aintree meeting 12 months ago to subsequent Gold Cup winner Inowthewayurthinkin when nominated by owner JP McManus as his 'National horse for next year'. Joint-trainer Oliver Greenall's father Lord Daresbury is former racecourse chairman who has an Aintree stand named after him. Co-trainer Josh Guerriero won Foxhunters' Chase over National fences as amateur jockey in 8/10 Odds: 9-1 19. Intense Raffles Trainer: Tom Gibney (IRE) Jockey: JJ SlevinForm: 11-902 Age: 7 Weight: 10-10Sounds like a deadly serious lottery, and has a deadly serious chance. Winner of the Irish Grand National last year. Nearly all of his races have been on soft or heavy ground. The grey runs in the 'double green' colours of owner-breeders Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. Showed his wellbeing when second, despite carrying more weight, to Nick Rockett at Fairyhouse in 7/10 Odds: 10-1 20. Senior Chief Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (IRE) Jockey: Darragh O'KeeffeForm: 1P-169 Age: 9 Weight: 10-10Pulled up in last year's Irish National but marked himself out as a candidate for this race when winning well at Cheltenham in October. Subsequently sixth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury when he was staying on, which could be a good sign for the test ahead. Owned by the Lucky In Life Syndicate. Will the horse live up to their name?Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 21. Idas Boy Trainer: Richard Phillips Jockey: Harry BannisterForm: F03106 Age: 11 Weight: 10-10Previously based in Ireland, where he won the Midlands National last summer at Kilbeggan. Having second run for amiable Gloucestershire trainer, who does a nice line in impressions. He helped buy the horse with John Rosbotham, a friend of 55 years with whom he dreamed in the school playground of having a National runner, and it runs for a syndicate of 12 called the Dozen 4/10 Odds: 100-1 22. Fil Dor Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: TBCForm: 212433 Age: 7 Weight: 10-9Five of his six wins have come at roughly half the distance of this race. Looks an uphill task on the face of it, but interestingly mentioned as a potential surprise package by the trainer – who has won three times previously - when weights for the race were announced in February. Would probably benefit from soft 6/10 Odds: 100-1 23. Broadway Boy Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Jockey: Tom BellamyForm: 5-324P Age: 7 Weight: 10-9Owner David Proos hoping to go two better after his family silks were carried to third by Rinus in 1990. No forlorn hope based on his second to Kandoo Kid in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. One for alliteration fans – could Broadway Boy follow Mon Mome, Party Politics and Red Rum as a nifty-sounding National winner for trainer, who has triumphed twice before?Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 24. Coko Beach Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: TBCForm: U50029 Age: 10 Weight: 10-9Eleventh in last year's race, when hampered late on, having previously finished eighth and pulled up. Prominent on each occasion before fading. Winner of the Troytown Chase in 2023. Will probably be spotted towards the front again but takes a leap of faith to see him stay there and become only the fourth grey horse to win the 6/10 Odds: 100-1 25. Stay Away Fay Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Paul O'BrienForm: 3PP-P0 Age: 8 Weight: 10-9Looked to be heading for big things after winning Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023 but career over the bigger obstacles has not been straightforward and pulled up on three of his past four runs. Jockey called up for first ride in race after original bookings Bryony Frost (riding in France) then Johnny Burke (on Minella Cocooner instead) were unavailableRating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 26. Meetingofthewaters Trainer: Willie Mullins (IRE) Jockey: Danny MullinsForm: 37-008 Age: 8 Weight: 10-7'Caught the eye' of last year's winning trainer when the weights were revealed in February. Finished seventh in 2024 when appeared to run out of steam. That could be perceived as a stamina doubt, although might see out the trip better now a year stronger and stable's Hedgehunter won in 2005 after a tired late fall the previous 7/10 Odds: 25-1 27. Monbeg Genius Trainer: Jonjo & AJ O'Neill Jockey: Nick ScholfieldForm: 5P-241 Age: 9 Weight: 10-9Intriguing contender who finished fourth in the Welsh Grand National before ending a two-year losing run with victory at Uttoxeter. Finished third to subsequent National winner Corach Rambler at Cheltenham Festival two years ago. Formerly owned by Tory peer Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman before being sold last year to Martin Tedham, who sponsors the trainer's 7/10 Odds: 33-1 28. Vanillier Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (IRE) Jockey: Sean FlanaganForm: -P6913 Age: 10 Weight: 10-6This was my selection in 2023, when he ended up finishing second to Corach Rambler for shrewd trainer. Was 14th last year on softer ground but comfortable Punchestown win in February showcased his credentials. Nearly took the wrong route at Cheltenham last month before recovering to finish third in Cross Country Chase. Chance again if the satnav is 7/10 Odds: 10-1 29. Horantzau D'Airy Trainer: Michael Keady Jockey: Ciaran GethingsForm: F22999 Age: 8 Weight: 10-6Runner-up in the Kerry and Munster Nationals when trained by Willie Mullins but switched stables last month. Now based in the Flat racing capital of Newmarket. Trainer set up on his own five months ago and is looking for first win over jumps in biggest steeplechase of all. Has to be a doubt over whether this contender possesses the same ability and stamina as some of his 4/10 Odds: 100-1 30. Hyland Trainer: Nicky Henderson Jockey: Nico de BoinvilleForm: 141122 Age: 8 Weight: 10-6Novice chaser looking to break duck for trainer, who is one of the greats but has poor record in this race – with no win from 43 previous runners. Sound jumper who should like the ground. Need an omen? One of the owners, Paul Humphreys, was born on same day as Grand National legend Red Rum. Their syndicate once included the late John Sillett, Coventry City's FA Cup-winning 6/10 Odds: 25-1 31. Celebre D'Allen Trainer: Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Jockey: Micheal NolanForm: 45U4-1 Age: 13 Weight: 10-6The obstacles should not be an issue, having finished eighth and fourth in the past two runnings of the shorter Topham Chase over the National fences. However, this is a longer and stiffer task. No 13-year-old horse has won the National since Sergeant Murphy 102 years ago and hard to see an equine teenager being celebrated this time 6/10 Odds: 150-1 32. Three Card Brag Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: Sean BowenForm: -33713 Age: 10 Weight: 10-5This race has been the long-term plan, says the trainer, who has been successful three times before. And he has been dealt a nice hand with the horse sneaking in towards the bottom of the weights. Rider is actually allergic to horses, but is on the verge of becoming British champion jockey and steps in for injured Jack 6/10 Odds: 25-1 33. Twig Trainer: Ben Pauling Jockey: Beau MorganForm: 5-2P77 Age: 10 Weight: 10-5A family affair as 20-year-old jockey rides horse owned by his mother Georgia. The expected sunny conditions should suit as six of his seven wins have come on good ground. Second in the Ultima Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival, he ran three times over hurdles this season before finishing a distant seventh in the Grimthorpe Chase at 6/10 Odds: 80-1 34. Duffle Coat Trainer: Gordon Elliott (IRE) Jockey: TBCForm: 352P4B Age: 8 Weight: 10-4Unlikely to need a Duffle Coat on Merseyside this weekend with sunny spells forecast and temperatures expected to reach 18C. Unlikely too that this grey will prove good enough to triumph despite low weight. Runner-up in last summer's Galway Plate and has finished second several times but only managed to wrap up one win from his past 27 6/10 Odds: 100-1
