For all that the pre-race talk will focus on the favourites, one of the beauties of the Grand National is picking out a large-priced outsider to cause an upset.
The nature of the race makes it ripe for those unexpected horses to spring a surprise – 100/1 shot Balko Des Flos finished second last year while between 2012 and 2016, the shortest priced winner was 25/1.
Last year’s winner Minella Times again has Rachael Blackmore on-board as the pair seek back-to-back National victories, this time in front of a packed crowd.
He is expected to once again be in and around the top of the market, joining favourites Delta Work and Snow Leopardess.
But away from the usual suspects, where is the real value in the race this time?
Fiddlerontheroof
May not have the profile of the sort of staying chaser than normally wins the National – but arguably neither did Minella Times.
Colin Tizzard swerved a prep race at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup to keep him fresh for this and the eight-year-old is expected to be a popular choice.
Don’t be surprised to hear the roof come off Aintree if he can taste glory on Saturday evening.
Kildisart
Lightly raced recently, the Ben Pauling-trained contender returned to action after a 450-plus day break at Newbury last month and finished a creditable fourth over just 2m 4f - a noteworthy preparation.
Won't be phased by the big field having won at Aintree in an 18-runner race three years ago and finished a very close second in the hussle and bustle of the Ultima at Cheltenham back in 2020.
Even when beaten previously he always seems to travel well, a handy trait to have when navigating the National.
Burrows Saint
Fourth 12 months ago and the pick of Willie Mullins’ crop at Aintree this time around.
A former Irish National winner, the Cheltenham Festival's top trainer has only won this race once - and that was 17 years ago with Hedgehunter.
After a prolific Cheltenham, no-one can argue he's not in form this time.
Was going as well as the eventual winner Minella Times with only three left to jump last year before fading.
Two for Gold
Very consistent and rarely finishes outside the top three. Also looked at home in grade one company when a very close second in the Ascot Chase, his last engagement.
Will like the look of softer ground around the 4mile 2½ furlong trip.
The big price (40/1) is because he's stepping up massively in distance but the National is not the stamina test it once was and trainer Kim Bailey - who guided Mr Frisk to Aintree glory and set a record time in the process 32 years ago - genuinely believes this is a live chance.
Lord Du Mensil
Has to be considered, with a big price and a win in last year’s February Grand National Trial to his record. Usually suited to soft ground so could have a big run up his sleeve.
The nine-year-old for has been pulled up twice in this race previously but if he can make it all the way around both circuits, don’t be surprised to see him challenge the placings.
Also previously finished second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
