9 Apr: Aintree

Aintree

14:25 Aintree

We get to see some of the stars from the Cheltenham festival today before the Grand National but it does mean there are several very short priced horses around.

Yorkhill beat the highly touted Yanworth in the Neptune and if he runs to anywhere near that level he should be far too good for his rivals here today. Le Prezien for Paul Nicholls may give him the most to think about as he has won three of his last five races with two second places. One of those second places was to Yanworth at the back end of last year so he does have plenty of ability.

15:00 Aintree

Douvan was many people's banker of the entire Cheltenham festival and he didn't disappoint, completing a file victory with Sizing John well beaten in second place. He is an un-backable odds on price to win this today but unless he makes a mess of one of the fences, ala Vautour yesterday, then he should win with ease.

Alisier D'irlande looks an interesting recruit for Henry De Bromhead and can give the selection the most to think about. He looked impressive last time out at Leopardstown, winning a novice chase very easily and he can go on to much better things.

15:40 Aintree

Thistlecrack has had an incredible season which culminated with him winning the World Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, where he absolutely destroyed a top class field, and he should have no problem doing so again today. The softer conditions won't be a problem at all and he has 14 pounds in hand on his nearest rival according to the ratings.

Although the three horses mentioned above are all pretty much un-backable prices, we can obtain a price of around 4/5 when putting them in a treble, and it does appear that any a massive mistake will stop any of them winning so this is definitely worth a bet in my opinion.

17:15 Aintree - Crabbie's Grand National

This is the big one and conditions for the race appear to be absolutely spot on for a day when I believe something special could happen. No horse has retained the National since the incredible Red Rum did so in 1974 and Many Clouds comes here today with an excellent chance of doing so. He is only one pond higher than he was last year and comes here in fine form with an easy win at Cheltenham in January that would have blown the cobwebs away. Oliver Sherwood's brilliant horse is the favourite this year and provided he gets a clear round, it is hard to see too many others being able to live with him.

One of those that has a chance is the superb Silviniaco Conti. He is a really top class horse which has been evidenced by his wins in the King George and overall excellent level of performance in multiple grade one races. He likes it here at Aintree, having won three times previously, however this is a mile further than he has gone before so it is a complete unknown as to whether he will be able to stay the trip.

Kim Bailey runs The Last Samuri and I think he has a great chance of making the frame. He has won his last two races, including beating The Druid's Nephew last time out very comfortably, and running from a light weight of 10 stone 8 pounds, he looks to have the stamina to stay this monster trip so can be a big player.

Today's Selections

Yorkhill, Douvan & Thistlecrack treble - 3 points @ 1.79

Grand National - Many Clouds - 2 points @ 10/1 (Betbright)

Silviniaco Conti - 1 point each way @ 14/1 (Paddy Power)

The Last Samuri - 1 point each way @ 11/1 (Most firms)