Need some help picking a winner in the 2017 Grand National?
A look through the card and this looks like one of the most competitive renewals of the Grand National for years and when you take into the consideration the starting prices of the last five winners were 33/1, 25/1, 25/1. 66/1 and 33/1 that just emphasises how hard it is to find a winner at the best of times!
People call the Grand National a lottery and to a certain extent it is. The only horses in the field to have run over four miles before are those that have run in this race before, the same goes for those having run in a forty runner-race before.
Add into the pot that the majority of runners have some kind of form you could go back to after the race if it won and say, yeah, I can why that one now in their form it makes things all the more difficult for the punter.
So, if you just want to stick a pin in the racecard to pick your once a year bet at the bookies, check our racecard - 2017 Grand National Racecard.
If you want some informed line into the race, read on...
Of The Favourites - Blaklion
Of those at the top of the betting, it's the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Blaklion who makes most appeal. The eight year old is having his first run around the National fences. He's a tidy jumper and has a big heart, which was on display when winning the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season. He put in a gritty display in that race and a never say die attitude which will come in handy today.
He's improved in all of his runs this season and has a class act in Noel Fehily in the saddle. His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has won the race twice before with Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002 and this has been the target from early on this season.
The Improver - One For Arthur
If you're looking for a horse who has been shooting up the ranks this season, then look no further than One For Arthur trained up in Scotland by Lucinda Russell.
He's gone up 21 lbs since the start of the season given the standard of his performances, none more impressive that when landing the Classic Chase at Warwick on his last start.
A six length winner that day he's been wrapped up in cotton wool ever since with the National in mind.
he looks a thorough stayer which is what you need around Aintree and given his hike at the weights by the handicapper in such a short period there's scope for him to improver further here and give Scotland a winner.
Each Way Chance - Rogue Angel
Mouse Morris trained Rule The World to victory here twelve months ago and he saddles Rogue Angel here today, who has a very similar profile.
He's not pulled up any trees this season but it's his Irish Grand National form from last March that catches the eye. He leapt off in front that day and I like a National horse to be ridden handily. He also has a Kerry National win to his name so he should stay and has shown in both of those races he has some steal about him. At 25/1 he represents some each-way value for last year's winning connections.
The Outsider - Raz De Maree
If you're looking for a big price to pay for your evening out, look no further than Raz De Maree at around the 40/1 mark.
An out and out stayer he was second behind Native River in the Welsh National at Christmas and closing the gap at the finish.
He won the Cork National earlier in the season over three and a half miles on good ground and also has some form in this race when finishing 8th in 2014.
Second in the Midlands Grand National a few years ago he has the kind of profile to give you a run for your money and perhaps sneak a place.
If that isn't enough advice, why not give our experts a listen...
GOOD LUCK!!
