ULTIMATE GRAND NATIONAL GUIDE: Mail Sport's expert gives his verdict on all 34 runners

Release time：2024-05-22 01:53:16 Source：Culture Compass news portal

The £1million Randox Grand National is the biggest race of the British jumps season and one of the most-watched TV events in the British sporting calendar with 7.5million British viewers tuning into the 2023 race.

In recent years the race has been shortened from four and a half miles to four miles and two and a half furlongs and the famous fences – the runners jump 30 fences - have been modified but the marathon still represents one of the biggest tests of a horse and jockey in racing.

The big change from last year is that the maximum number of runners has been reduced from 40 to 34, a move designed to improve safety by giving the contenders more space especially in the early stages, and the start time brought forward to 4pm.

Last year’s winner Corach Rambler is back to try to win the race again and favourite after his third in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. But with the prolonged wet spell making it likely the race will be run on testing ground, the likelihood of a surprise result increases.

Here Racing Editor MARCUS TOWNEND assesses the 34 entries currently guaranteed slots for Saturday’s race plus the next four in the list waiting for a berth.

The big change to this year's Grand National is the number of runners - reduced from 40 to 34

Last year's winner Corach Rambler is back for another tilt at glory after placing third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup

National hunt racing's biggest race of the season will get underway on Saturday afternoon

(Prices supplied by Paddy Power)

NOBLE YEATS

The 2022 winner returns on a 1lb lower handicap mark than when eight and a half lengths fourth to Corach Rambler last year and his abundant stamina reserves make it likely he will be in the shake-up again. Has exclusively run over hurdles this season, looking to race more sweetly than he did at times last season. Won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January and twelve and a half lengths seventh to Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival.

TRAINER: Emmet Mullins  

WEIGHT: 11st 11lb 

PRICE: 20-1 

VERDICT: Definitely one for the shortlist

Noble Yeats took the crown in 2022 as amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen's final race ride

NASSALAM

Has taken a massive hike in the handicap after routing rivals by 34 lengths in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow when he had the heavy ground he appears to relish. Found the step up in clash in the Cheltenham Gold Cup beyond him when pulled up after the fourth last fence. 

Looks conditions dependant (almost all wins on soft or heavy ground) so that looks like being a big positive. Does have course experience with his fourth in the 2m 5f in the Grand Sefton Chase in November.

TRAINER: Gary Moore 

WEIGHT: 11st 7lb 

PRICE: 16-1 

VERDICT: Needs to bounce back but should have the testing ground which will play to strengths

Mudlark Nassalam could see the ground play to his strengths and has prior course experience

COKO BEACH

Has disputed the lead for much of the last two running before fading. Was still in the lead at the home turn two years ago before hitting the wall at the second last as he finished eighth to Noble Yeats while the strain looked to be telling after he jumped the Canal Turn for a second time last year when he gradually dropped back before being pulled up after the third last fence. 

Has been in better form this season, including a second to Chambard in the Becher Chase (3m 1f) at Aintree in December.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott

WEIGHT: 11st 7lb 

PRICE: 33-1 

VERDICT: Stamina has given out on two previous tries

Contender for a third time, Coko Beach has not proved to have the stamina for the tough test

CAPODANNO

Solid performer with one Grade One win to his name who was pulled up before the last fence 12 months ago as his chance ebbed away. He has a 12lb pull in the weights with 2023 winner Corach Rambler. Has run creditably this season, winning the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January and finishing fourth to Protektorat in the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival.

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 11st 7lb 

PRICE: 33-1 

VERDICT: Tried and failed once. No reason he should succeed this time

Capodanno has run creditably this season but there's little evidence that he'll be at his best on Saturday afternoon

I AM MAXIMUS

Has always possessed a stack of ability but sometimes his jumping wasn’t the slickest. Put is all together when he won last season’s Irish Grand National as a novice chaser with a strong staying performance. Won the Grade One Drinmore Novices’ Chase at Fairyhouse in December and then was twice placed behind Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galophin Des Champs before brushing aside Vanillier – giving him 12lb – in Fairyhouse’s Bobbyjo Chase.

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 11st 5lb 

PRICE: 7-1 

VERDICT: Impossible not to have him on your shortlist

Last season's Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus should be a must-have for shortlists

MINELLA INDO

Has been a class act with a superb Cheltenham Festival record were he has won twice including the 2021 Gold Cup. Also second in that race in 2022. His levels have dropped since but, while he does not look the same horse as in his pomp, he has produced a couple of decent runs this season as his handicap mark has edged south to ensure a couple more pounds off his back. Potentially Rachael Blackmore’s mount.

TRAINER: Henry De Bromhead

WEIGHT: 11st 5lb 

PRICE: 16-1 

VERDICT: Will be a popular punter choice if Blackmore rides. Will need all her magic but not impossible

Former Gold Cup winner Minello Indo (left) could see Rachael Blackmore aboard (right, on A Plus Tard in 2021)

CORACH RAMBLER

Last year’s comfortable winner has to race off a 13lb handicap mark but if could be assessed again he’d be given three extra pounds on the back of his excellent third to Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

That was his first race since November so it should have put the edge on a gelding who gives the impression there is more in the tank. Got a dream run round last year which aided his cause and thrives in the spring.

TRAINER: Lucinda Russell 

WEIGHT: 11st 5lb 

PRICE: 9-2 Fav 

VERDICT: Teed up for the race again - a big player

Seeking back-to-back wins, Corach Rambler may have even more in the tank after a fine Gold Cup run last month

JANIDIL

One win in his last 13 races. The fact he has not run a race beyond two and a half miles does not offer a lot to hang your hat on in the context of this race even though he is not without ability with a grade one novice chase win on his record albeit back in 2022. Finished 11th of 12 to Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his last start.

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 11st 5lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: Fair to say his powerful stable have far better chances

Willie Mullins' packed stable has plenty more contenders with prospects finer than Janidil

STATTLER

Won the National Hunt Chase at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival but only managed six races since and not managed a victory. Didn’t take to the experience when well behind Coko Beach in a Cross Country Chase in February. 

The positive is that stamina is one of his big weapons but the worry is that his performance levels have slipped and his owner has warned he will not run if the ground doesn’t dry out.

TRAINER: Wille Mullins 

WEIGHT: 11st 4lb 

PRICE: 33-1 

VERDICT: Not a certain starter and a place finish is maybe best he can hope for if he runs

Stattler's involvement at Aintree is dependent on the conditions, which could go against him

MAHLER MISSION

Looked like he would have won the National Hunt Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival but for a fall at the second last fence and ran a cracker when second to Datsalrightgino in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup at the start of December, a race run at a high tempo which acts has a good National trial. A bit of a negative that he has not run since but has been kept fresh for this target.

TRAINER: John McConnell 

WEIGHT: 11st 4lb 

PRICE: 14-1 

VERDICT: Looks to possess all he needs to run a big race

Mahler Mission has been kept fresh since December for the Grand National (pictured in 2022)

DELTA WORK

Looked to be going like the potential winner two fences out before fading into a 22-length third to Noble Yeast in 2022 and was still travelling sweetly when making a mistake and unseating his jockey at the 21st fence last year. 

A dual winner of the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with a touch of quality. He lost that prep-race platform when that race had to be abandoned last month.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 11st 3lb 

PRICE: 25-1 

VERDICT: Solid and reliable but the gut feeling is his best chances are behind him

Delta Work made a mistake in last year's race despite a fine showing - but his best could be behind him

FOXY JACKS

Finished third in the Kerry National at Listowel in September over three miles and displayed significant stamina reserves when beating Lastnightpass a length and a quarter in a 3m 5f Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in November. Four pounds worse off with that opponent. The negative is his jumping is not always the best and he doesn’t look too favourably handicapped.

TRAINER: Mouse Morris 

WEIGHT: 11st 3lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: Likely to find a few too good for him

Foxy Jacks could see his chances impinged by a difficult handicap but Mouse Morris' horse has good stamina

GALVIN

A Grade One winning chaser but that 2022 success is fading in the rear-view mirror a little and his recent runs have lacked a bit of zip. The ground is very important to him, his best form is on a faster, dry running surface and his participation in the race is in serious doubt. Normally a good jumper but unseated his rider at the first fence in last year’s race.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 11st 1lb 

PRICE: 33-1 

VERDICT: Not much hope on soft or heavy ground

Gordon Elliott saw Galvin unseat his rider at the first fence at last year's outing in Liverpool

FAROUK D’ALENE

Sidelined for the best part of two years after his fall at the second-last fence in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase when he looked like giving classy winner L’Homme Presse plenty to do. Doesn’t seem to have return in anything close to that form – pulled up in the Pertemps Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his last run – and it is hard to believe he is currently in the shape to get in the shake-up.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 11st 0lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: His powerful stable have far better chances

Farouk D'Alene was pulled up in the Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham and doesn't look in best shape for Saturday

ELDORADO ALLEN

Ran a couple of cracking races at the start of the season, including when third to Datsalrightgino in Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup, but his two runs since have been way below that including when pulled up behind Chianti Classico in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Having had a breathing operation before that run there appears to be underlying physical issues which are an unwanted factor in a race like this.

TRAINER: Joe Tizzard 

WEIGHT: 10st 13lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: Hard to summon any excitement about his chance after that last run

Joe Tizzard's Eldarado Allen may have some physical issues after an operation earlier this term

AIN’T THAT A SHAME

Big gamble and started 10-1 last year when ridden by Rachael Blackmore but after creeping into the race traveling well the fuel tank was on empty on the run to the second last fence and he was ultimately allowed to coast home over 100 lengths behind Corach Rambler. He looked a classic non-stayer and his chance is not enhanced by the fact Blackmore is replaced by an amateur jockey this time

TRAINER: Henry De Bromhead 

WEIGHT: 10st 12lb 

PRICE: 50-1 

VERDICT: Couldn’t drum up much enthusiasm on the back of last year’s run

Aint That A Shame (right) looked to be a contender until the last, but saw his tank run dry late

VANILLIER

All about stamina and a better jumper than he used to be. Finished like a train from a long way back last year when two-and-a-quarter lengths second to Corach Rambler. Races off a 4lb higher mark but has a 9lb pull with last year’s winner. This season, including his 14-length second to I Am Maximus in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, have been all about getting back to Aintree in A1 shape.

TRAINER: Gavin Crowell 

WEIGHT: 10st 11lb 

PRICE: 9-1 

VERDICT: Will be a big threat if he can keep close enough

Gavin Cromwell's Vanillier could threaten the favourites, having targeted Aintree all season

MR INCREDIBLE

Temperament-wise seems a much more straightforward horse since joining his current stable and was still in with a chance last year when his saddle slipped after jumping the Canal Turn on the second circuit with his jockey being unseated. On his only run since he carried top weight of 12st into second place behind Beauport in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 10st 10lb 

PRICE: 12-1

VERDICT: In the mix if his luck holds second time round

RUN WILD FRED

Was an 8-1 shot when he fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit in 2022 and followed that with a fall in the Irish National. There is nothing in his form to suggest he returns with anything remotely close to the same chance. In fact after failing to finish in any of his last three runs he will be one of bigger outsiders

Run Wild Fred has suffered recent repeated falls and looks the very definition of a no-hoper

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott  

WEIGHT: 10st 9lb 

PRICE: 80-1 

Gina Andrews will fulfil a lifetime ambition when she lines up in the £1m Grand National: 'I never thought that I'd get the chance to ride in the race' 

VERDICT: Looks the definition of a no-hoper

LATENIGHTPASS

Has an excellent Aintree record having won (2022), finished second (2021) and fourth (2023) in the Foxhunters’ Chase on the Grand National fences. 

That is a 2m 5f race but showed he had stamina reserves as well with victory in a 3m 5f Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in December. 

Will garner plenty of attention representing husband-wife team of trainer Tom Ellis and jockey Gina Andrews.

TRAINER: Tom Ellis 

WEIGHT: 10st 9lb 

PRICE: 25-1

VERDICT: Solid but would need a career best which seems unlikely at the age of 11

Gina Andrews will fulfil the dream of a lifetime when she lines up with Latenightpass this week

MINELLA CROONER

Narrowly beat I Am Maximus in a Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse in December 2022 but while that rivals career has been on an upward curve since, this gelding has not progressed. He was 25 lengths behind the same rival at Fairyhouse in February and pulled up before the second last fence in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival won by Chianti Classico.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 10st 9lb 

PRICE: 50-1 

VERDICT: Looks to be making up the numbers

Minella Crooner (in front) has struggled to progress alongside his stablemates and rivals

ADAMANTLY CHOSEN

Raced mainly at much shorter distances but was an easy winner when up to three-and-and-quarter mile race at Down Royal, getting weight from Roi Mage and beating him 14 lengths. Maybe he enjoyed the slower race tempo of that relatively uncomplicated race but this one will be a different kettle of fish. His record suggests he is best when the ground is drier.

TRAINER: Wille Mullins 

WEIGHT: 10st 8lb 

PRICE: 33-1 

VERDICT: Stamina a big question mark despite last race win

Adamantly Chosen could be one of a number of horses for whom the conditions are a worry

MAC TOTTIE

Big positive is his course form. He has won two of his races over the unique Aintree fences, landing the 2021 Grand Sefton Stakes and the 2022 Topham Chase. He fell at Becher’s Brook in the 2021 Becher Chase while he also won a race over Aintree’s conventional track in December. The concern he has not made much impact on his last two runs and his stamina is definitely a worry.

TRAINER: Peter Bowen 

WEIGHT: 10st 8lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: If you love backing a wild outsider he might be the one but don’t hold your breath

Mac Tottie has found Cheltenham a happy hunting ground and could be the outsider to back

CHEMICAL ENERGY

Looks potentially well handicapped on his second place to Gaillard Du Mesnil in the 2023 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before being pulled up after a jumping error in the Irish National. Hasn’t run since a sixth-place finish in the 3m Kerry National at Listowel in September.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 10st 8lb 

PRICE: 25-1 

VERDICT: Seem to be some positive vibes surrounding him

Chemical Energy's chances have been buoyed up but he hasn't run since September 2023

LIMERICK LACE

Enjoying a fantastic season which includes winning the Grade One Mares’ Chase (2m 4f) at the Cheltenham. That’s the distance she has generally been campaigned at but she stepped up to 3m to finish runner-up to Coko Beach in the always competitive Troytown Chase at Navan in November. Only 7yos, she should still be on the up but there hasn’t been a mare win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951. 

Enjoying a fantastic season which includes winning the Grade One Mares’ Chase (2m 4f) at the Cheltenham. That’s the distance she has generally been campaigned at but she stepped up to 3m to finish runner-up to Coko Beach in the always competitive Troytown Chase at Navan in November. Only 7ye, she should still be on the up but there hasn’t been a mare win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951. 

TRAINER: Gavin Cromwell 

WEIGHT: 10st 7lb 

PRICE: 16-1 

VERDICT: Capable of getting in the shake-up

Limerick Lace will bid to be the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin over 70 years ago

MEETINGOFTHEWATERS

Won the always competitive Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting before unseating his jockey at the first fence after being hampered when returning for a similar race. An improving seven-year-old novice, he was staying on resolutely when third to Chianti Classico in the Cheltenham Festival’s Ultima Chase, suggesting he will be suited by this stiffer test of stamina. 

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 10st 7lb 

PRICE: 10-1 

VERDICT: Has a lot going for him including a really handy weight

Meetingofthewaters has happiness in soft conditions and promising stamina for the long race

THE GOFFER

Despite being only seven, he has plenty of experience including winning a big handicap chase at last season’s Dublin Racing Festival. The fact he was pulled up in last season’s Grand National is a worry as, given current weather conditions, is the fact he is probably best on drier ground. 

Heavily backed for the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and sent off favourite but had shot his bolt before the second last fence and faded into fifth.

TRAINER: Gordon Elliott 

WEIGHT: 10st 7lb 

PRICE: 50-1 

VERDICT: Hard to fancy on the predicted ground

The Goffer (pictured right) has plenty of experience despite being only seven years old

ROI MAGE

A smattering of 12yos have won, the last being Amberleigh House in 2004, but it is a stretch to believe he can join that list despite a hugely commendable seventh last year when he was still in with a chance between the last two fences. A winner on heavy ground in France in November, has easily beaten by Adamantly Chosen last time but has been trained to peak here.

TRAINER: Patrick Griffin 

WEIGHT: 10st 7lb 

PRICE: 40-1 

VERDICT: Likely to find a few while running well again

Roi Mage (jockey in blue and yellow checked sleeves) has been trained to peak at Aintree

GLENGOULY

The vast majority of his races have been at distances shorter than three miles although he did produce a career best when stepped up to that distance to finish two and a half lengths third to Ain’t That A Shame in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in February. Didn’t cut much ice when dropped back to two and a half miles behind Shakem Up’Harry in the TrustATrader Plate at the Cheltenham Festival.

TRAINER: Willie Mullins 

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 40-1 

VERDICT: Hard to think this is the ideal race for him

Saturday's Grand National is far from the ideal prospect for Mullins-trained Glengouly

GALIA DES LITEAUX

Another mare lining up to end a winner drought for her gender stretching back to 1951. By far her best run of the season came when carrying top weight in the 3m 5f Classic Chase at Warwick when three-quarters of a length second to My Silver Lining. However, the quality of opponents is on a different level here and she ran well below form subsequently at Exeter. Should like the ground

TRAINER: Dan Skelton

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 25-1 

VERDICT: May find this opposition tough to live but light weight gives her outside chance

Galia Des Liteaux could be given a helping hand by her light weight, and could yet bag a place

PANDA BOY

Fifth in last year’s Irish Grand National when beaten seven and three-quarter length by I Am Maximus. Has a 4lb pull on that form and has largely run with credit this season including a second place in the big Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and an eyecatching fourth, albeit of a favourable handicap mark, in a three-mile handicap hurdle at the track’s Dublin Racing Festival. Teed up nicely for this by a trainer who in 2006 won in with Numbersixvalverde.

TRAINER: Martin Brassil 

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 12-1 

VERDICT: Been backed in the ante-post betting and you can see why

Panda Boy (left) is trained by Martin Brassil, who previously won the race in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde

EKLAT DE RIRE

Given the likely ground conditions it is a positive that all his wins have come on either heavy or testing ground but you have to go back to October 2021, when he was in good form, for the last of those wins. He has been lightly raced since and not been too much to get excited about, including when pulled up behind Chianti Classico in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

TRAINER: Henry De Bromhead 

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 100-1 

VERDICT: Hard to drum up too much enthusiasm about his chance

Henry De Bromhead's Eklat De Rire (right) doesn't come with much expectations, but all his wins have come on heavy ground

CHAMBARD

Has a Cheltenham Festival win on his record having landed the 2022 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and won the Becher Chase (3m 2f) over the National fences in December when beating Coko Beach 13 lengths receiving 22lb. Meets that rival on 7lb worse terms but hasn’t run to the same level in three starts since including when pulled up in the Welsh National. Will not mind the testing ground.

TRAINER: Venetia Williams 

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 66-1 

VERDICT: Hard to see him winning but the sort who might get in place mix at a big price

Venetia Williams' Chambard has a Cheltenham win on his record but is far from fancied

KITTY’S LIGHT

Has a massive amount going for him form wise having won last season’s Scottish National (second in 2022 as a 6yo) over four miles at Ayr and Sandown’s Bet365 Gold Cup. Also attractively nestled at the foot of the weights after a campaign this season which has taken in three hurdle races to protect his handicap mark. The big worry is the ground. He has largely been campaigned away from testing going – well beaten on his only try on heavy ground.

TRAINER: Christian Williams 

WEIGHT: 10st 6lb 

PRICE: 14-1 

VERDICT: If he can cope with the ground or it dries out he’s a big player

Kitty's Light has higher chances if the ground can dry out before the running on Saturday

With testing conditions likely, the historic race could yet see a rank outsider shock the field

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