The Grand National is one of the true highlights of the sporting calendar and every year, over 50 million people from all over the world tune in to watch what is widely regarded as the most prestigious race in the business. 40 of the best National Hunt horses will compete over the four-mile, 30-fence Aintree circuit for an estimated prize fund of over £1 million.
Last year, Many Clouds romped home for victory and plenty of punters will be backing the Oliver Sherwood-trained mount again this year, especially with Leighton Aspell looking for a third successive win in the race. As of April 6th, Many Clouds is priced at 7/1 in Coral's horse racing betting markets and he will be hoping for another clean run round at the very least.
However, there are plenty of other viable contenders in what is potentially the most competitive Grand National of all-time. Handicapper Phil Smith has been at the centre of controversy with his judging of the weights this year, with 2014 winner Pineau de Re and 2015 Becher Chase winner Highland Lodge missing out on the 40-horse field.
The Druids Nephew was travelling tremendously well when he fell at the 26th fence last year and jockey Denis O'Regan will fancy his chances on board the Neil Mulholland-trained mount. He's a brilliant stayer and although he was well beaten by The Last Samuri at Doncaster earlier this year, there's something about The Druids Nephew and Aintree.
Another horse that will attract plenty of attention in the betting ring is Holywell. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, Holywell ran brilliantly when second to Un Temps Pour Tout at Cheltenham last month and he stands every chance if he avoids conflict in the middle of the pack. At the time of writing, he's valued at 14/1 in Coral's horse racing betting and with a natural crack of the whip, he could romp home for National glory.
And for those who like an outside shot, the Willie Mullins-trained Boston Bob is a decent each-way bet. Mullins was in brilliant form at the Cheltenham Festival and with the leading trainer standings heating up, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the Irishman's horses run well at Aintree. While Boston Bob will need plenty to go his way if he's going to win the race, he could easily finish in the places.
As anticipation and excitement for Saturday's race continues to grow, one thing's for sure: this year's Grand National won't be without controversy but it could mature into one of the greatest and most exhilarating races in recent memory with such a talented field. They've ALL got chances.
Last year, Many Clouds romped home for victory and plenty of punters will be backing the Oliver Sherwood-trained mount again this year, especially with Leighton Aspell looking for a third successive win in the race. As of April 6th, Many Clouds is priced at 7/1 in Coral's horse racing betting markets and he will be hoping for another clean run round at the very least.
However, there are plenty of other viable contenders in what is potentially the most competitive Grand National of all-time. Handicapper Phil Smith has been at the centre of controversy with his judging of the weights this year, with 2014 winner Pineau de Re and 2015 Becher Chase winner Highland Lodge missing out on the 40-horse field.
The Druids Nephew was travelling tremendously well when he fell at the 26th fence last year and jockey Denis O'Regan will fancy his chances on board the Neil Mulholland-trained mount. He's a brilliant stayer and although he was well beaten by The Last Samuri at Doncaster earlier this year, there's something about The Druids Nephew and Aintree.
Another horse that will attract plenty of attention in the betting ring is Holywell. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, Holywell ran brilliantly when second to Un Temps Pour Tout at Cheltenham last month and he stands every chance if he avoids conflict in the middle of the pack. At the time of writing, he's valued at 14/1 in Coral's horse racing betting and with a natural crack of the whip, he could romp home for National glory.
And for those who like an outside shot, the Willie Mullins-trained Boston Bob is a decent each-way bet. Mullins was in brilliant form at the Cheltenham Festival and with the leading trainer standings heating up, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the Irishman's horses run well at Aintree. While Boston Bob will need plenty to go his way if he's going to win the race, he could easily finish in the places.
As anticipation and excitement for Saturday's race continues to grow, one thing's for sure: this year's Grand National won't be without controversy but it could mature into one of the greatest and most exhilarating races in recent memory with such a talented field. They've ALL got chances.
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