Four UK Grand National Hopes to Keep An Eye On

Horses to keep an eye on in the Grand National

In the UK and Ireland, the jumps season is now in full swing and most trainers have at least got one race out of the big names in their stables. That includes some Grand National hopefuls. To be frank, anyone making assumptions about the Grand National this far in advance (the race is on the 6^thApril) can look a bit foolish.

However, there is also a bit of value in making an early pick – provided your bookie will return a stake if the horse is a non-runner. For example, the 2018 winner, Tiger Roll, is currently available at around double the odds of his starting price when he strolled to victory in April. Things change quickly though, so be sure to keep abreast of the latest Grand National betting tips. In light of that, here are four horses who have connections whispering about the National and are worth keeping an eye on:

Tiger Roll

Let’s just deal with the obvious one first. Tiger Roll is a brilliant horse, but perhaps a bit erratic when it comes to delivering consistent performances. His first run out of the season a few weeks ago was pretty average, finishing 4^thfrom seven runners in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham. However, Gordon Elliott’s horse has a knack of saving his best for the big races, so connections didn’t look worried at all. He will be 9-years-old once the Grand National rolls around, arguably the prime age for another tilt at the National. He can be found at 25/1 with Betfair at the moment. If he is fit and ready to go in April, those odds will be slashed.

Sizing Tennessee

The Grand National is one of the World’s most famous races

Sizing Tennessee proved he can handle the long distances required to win a Grand National when placing 3^rdin the Cross-Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last March. He has looked a nice prospect this season too, winning both his races, including the prestigious Ladbrokes Trophy Chase. Odds sit at about 33/1 at the moment, but questions will still be asked as Sizing Tennessee has never run at Aintree before. Still, a really good prospect.

Walk In The Mill

Probably the biggest mover down the markets of all potential Grand National horses. Walk In The Mill won his Aintree debut race, the keenly contested Becher Chase, last weekend. The Becher Chase is not exactly a guaranteed indicator of future Grand National success, although some horses have gone on to win it before. However, what it did prove was that Walk In The Mill can tackle the tough fences and conditions at Aintree. 33/1 (Ladbrokes). One to watch.

One For Arthur

Since April 2017, One For Arthur has been seen twice in a competitive race. The first of those two races was his stunning win in the 2017 Grand National. The second took place last weekend when he threw his rider on his long-awaited comeback. What to make of it all? It’s probably too soon to judge and connections didn’t seem too worried, citing ‘rust’. One For Arthur will be better for a couple of runs between now and April. Can he become the first horse since Red Rum to bag more than one Grand National? 33/1 is cited by Bet365, but it’s advisable to hold your money until seeing him in action at least one more time in case he can’t shake that ‘rust’ after a long lay-off.

Category: Betting