Many Clouds and Leighton Aspell are looking to secure back-to-back Grand Nationals on Saturday following an impressive outing at Kelso last month.
Red Rum was the last horse to compete consecutive victories in the national over 40 years ago and general consensus suggests they could very well make history with Aspell aiming to make it three-for-three in the big race having rode Pineau De Re to glory in 2014.
It goes without saying that a lot of things will have to go their way once the race starts at 5.15 and due to the fact that a lot of rain fell at Aintree last night will make the running that bit more difficult. It might be wise, in that case, to keep an eye on some outsiders in an effort to pick the winner of the biggest race of the year.
Here are four to consider:
Soll
Even though he is on a higher handicap mark than previous runs, he is a reliable jumper having completed each of the four times he has tackled these larger obstacles at Aintree. The rain overnight will suit him as he goes well in the mud. He will certainly give you a run for his money but could be outclassed if luck is not on his side.
Morning Assembly
Based on his form, he is very well weighted. Given the volatile nature of the race, keeping your eye on good jumpers is key to getting your money's worth. Morning Assembly can jump and with Davy Russell on board - a jockey with an ideal temperament for the big race - could give Many Clouds a run for his money.
Gallant Oscar
Little other reason than the fact that it is an Irish-owned horse trained by Tony Martin with Kildare man Mark Walsh on board. Interestingly, WalesOnline crunched the data and "the characteristics of all winners of the race going back to 1950 and [they] found that on average the winning horse was 10 years old, was carrying a handicap weight of 10st 10lbs and had odds of 22/1 to be the winner." That is Gallant Oscar in a nutshell.
Saints Are
The experience Saints Are has gained around the Grand National course will count for plenty. Second last year and third in the Becher Chase the year before that. He is a proven stayer and the fact remains that if a horse fancies it, the horse fancies it. Plenty of reasons to think he will be in with a shout as they turn the elbow on the run-in.
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