Hi all,

Today's main piece you can read my Grand National Preview. It's out earlier than normal and there is a reason as you'll see inside.

The last day of Aintree's Grand National Festival reaches its peak with the renowned Randox Grand National at 4:00. While modifications to the Aintree fences have altered the jumping challenge from the days of Red Rum's dominance in the 1970s, and the field size has been reduced from 40 to 34, the race remains a unique and special event.

Not much rain, if any, for Grand National Day which means the drying trend will continue. I’m writing this before Friday’s racing, so I don’t what the times are staying. However, on Thursday it was soft on the Mildmay Course and heavy on the National course so not as bottomless as some had been predicting.

#StayAwayForToday

Firstly, I hope you'll all be joining the #StayAwayForToday movement. While it may not have gained much traction due to its late launch, I wholeheartedly support the initiative and hope to see more of it this summer.

As for betting this Saturday, I encourage you to refrain from betting online with major bookmakers. I've already placed most of my bets, and I might visit a local independent bookmaker on Saturday morning. If possible, I recommend finding and supporting your local independent bookmaker for Saturday’s bets.

It’s time for punters to stop moaning and act.

Onto my Grand National Preview.

4:00 – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 4m 2 ½ f

The Grand National is undoubtedly a fun race, although it's not always taken seriously by the pros. Still, many can't resist placing a bet on it, and not doing so almost feels like a betrayal of the punter's spirit. Plus, there's an element of bragging rights involved. After all, everyone wants to tell you they picked the Grand National winner, but no one boasts about predicting the winner of the 2:05 at Newcastle.

In recent years, there's been a significant shift in focus towards prioritizing the safety of all horses involved, which is paramount. Nowadays, the Grand National has become a race where our primary hope is for the safe return of every horse. Once the race is concluded without incident, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief and move forward.

It’s a race where I have been lucky to find three winners since 2012 and that includes last year’s hero Corach Rambler.

This year, I must admit, my shortlist for the race is not as extensive as usual. It's not that I have strong feelings about any horse; rather, none of the entries have quite captured my imagination. Nevertheless, here are a few contenders I'm considering, although whether the winner is among them remains to be seen.

Contenders:

Corach Rambler, last year's winner, heads the ante-post odds. Despite being 13lb higher than last year, he's well weighted if he can replicate his recent Gold Cup third-place finish. However, his recent hard race at Cheltenham may have taken its toll on his chances.

Both I Am Maximus and Limerick Lace are on good marks compared to when the weights were published.

I Am Maximus

Was comfortable winner of the Bobbyjo Chase last time out, and last season's Irish Grand National victor, should thrive in Saturday's stamina-driven challenge. Trainer Willie Mullins even regards him as a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup contender. If that holds true, he could triumph in this race from his current mark.

Limerick Lace

Limerick Lass jumps and travels which is a plus and she displayed good form in her recent victory in the Mares Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. However, her triumph occurred over 2 miles and 5 furlongs, and I anticipate there will be stronger stayers in the lineup.

Galia Des Liteaux

An excellent second to My Silver Lining in Warwick Classic Chase (3m 5f) two starts back and probably found the race coming to quick when disappointing at Exeter the following month. Unexposed over marathon distance, testing ground suits and she’s got a handy light weight.

Delta Work

Was a good third in 2022 and was still going well enough when unseating his rider 12 months ago.  The dual Cheltenham Cross Country winner will like the ground and is in with a chance.

Latenightpass

Secured victory in the 2022 Foxhunters' over the National fences, displaying his proficiency over the unique course. He’s had two good runs over Cheltenham’s Cross Country course at the end of 2023 including a success two starts back. Had a prep over hurdles for this at Haydock 56 days ago. Despite being an outsider, he’s got claims but may not stay.

My long-term fancies for the race Meetingthewaters, Panda Boy, Mahler Mission all run.

Meetingthewaters

Improved for the step up to 3m when winning the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Demonstrated promise with a solid third-place finish in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham last month, he has the potential to excel further if he handles today's extended trip. A slight concern that retained jockey has Mark Walsh has opted for Limerick Lace.

Panda Boy

Didn’t seem to stay when fifth in last season’s Irish Grand National but he’s a year older and could be stronger now. Finished runner-up to Meetingthewaters in the Paddy Power and placed over hurdles at Leopardstown last time. Stamina remains a concern, but the trainer won this in 2006.

Mahler Mission

Really improved for going chasing last season and looked set to win when falling two out in last season’s NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. An excellent second in the Coral Gold Cup last time when jumping and travelling strongly. Although he has been kept fresh for this event, it's worth noting that horses returning from a 90+ day layoff have historically struggled, boasting a record of 0-87 since 1997.

Mr Incredible

Wasn't initially on my radar for this event, but I was impressed by his performance when finishing second under top weight in the Midlands Grand National last month. His ability to handle the demanding 4 miles and 2 furlongs on heavy ground at Uttoxeter demonstrated his stamina. However, it's worth noting that he has shown some quirks in the past and unseated his rider at the Canal Turn on the second circuit in last year's race.

Grand National Preview Verdict:

Despite the reduced field size, you can still justify having three or four bets.  Last year’s winner Corach Rambler has solid credentials, his odds at 6/1 are too short. Both I Am Maximus and Limerick Lace are well handicapped, but I doubt the latter's staying power, and the former's jumping style makes me cautious. Galia Des Liteaux could make a strong showing, but being a mare, I'm hesitant. My final five, in no particular order, are Meetingofthewaters, Panda Boy, Mahler Mission, Mr Incredible, and Latenightpass.

That's the year's Grand National Preview done and dusted for another year.

Saturday Selection:

Saturday's selection won't be from the Grand National itself. In fact, you'll have to wait until the very last race on the card to find my pick.

I've only had one bumper winner this season, although I haven't placed many bets in that sphere, so it’s a seemingly strange race for Saturday’s selection but I thought Ma Shantou looked another nice prospect for hurdling going forward when winning a Huntingdon bumper on stable debut for Emma Lavelle last month.  The ground was soft that day so underfoot condition should be fine, and I think he’s got a big chance.  The trainer won this in 2013. I'm aiming for a price in the double digits, though I doubt I'll find one. Still, anything above 8/1 will satisfy me.

5:35 – Ma Shantou.

Good luck with your Saturday bets.

John