Grand National Betting Tips: Expert Analysis for Aintree's Feature Day
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. If you click links to other sites on this page, we may earn commission. It is Grand National day at Aintree, and horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge is on site to deliver his expert betting tips for the marquee event and other races on a spectacular card. All selections feature the best available odds from leading bookmakers to ensure optimal value for punters.
Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (16.00, Aintree)
Having previously advised Grangeclare West at a much larger price earlier in the season, the opinion remains unchanged for the big race. After a disappointing run in the Irish Gold Cup, he rebounded with a victory in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, a race that has historically been a strong indicator for the Grand National. His odds have shortened significantly since that win, so early backers are in a favourable position. Finishing third in this event last year, he competes from the same handicap mark and with ground conditions leaning towards the slow side of good, he remains a steadfast selection.
Grand National betting tip: Grangeclare West (Aintree, 16.00) – 1pt each-way @ 10/1 (PricedUp)
Grand National Tricast Prediction
Stable companion I Am Maximus, the 2024 Grand National winner, is a Grade 1 victor and a consistent performer at the highest level. Running from the same mark as last year, where he placed a commendable second to Nick Rockett, he is the chosen mount of jockey Paul Townend and a worthy favourite expected to feature prominently.
Haiti Couleurs may not secure many Grade 1 titles but consistently performs well in such company and is poised to excel in major handicaps like this. A dual winner of the Irish and Welsh Nationals, he has also triumphed over the Mildmay fences at Aintree. While adaptable to various ground conditions, he prefers good to soft or slower going, which he will encounter on Saturday. The unknowns include his debut over the National fences and potential fatigue from his Gold Cup effort, but at 20/1, he represents significant value based on his achievements.
In the Ultima Handicap Chase, Johnnywho narrowly defeated Jagwar by half a length, a result that left many frustrated given Jagwar's strong pre-race favouritism. With the Ultima serving as a reliable trial for the Grand National, Jagwar is tipped to redeem himself and secure a top-four finish. For a tricast bet, combining Grangeclare West, I Am Maximus, and Haiti Couleurs offers an attractive price for a modest stake.
Grand National Tricast Tip: 833/1 (Bet365)
Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (12.45, Aintree)
Salvator Mundi is an improving two-mile novice chaser who dominated a Thurles beginners' chase in February and won last year's Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. However, his current odds lack value, making Kala Conti a more appealing proposition. Trained by Gordon Elliott, this six-year-old mare has adapted well to chasing, securing victories in mares' contests at Cork and a Listed race. A close contender in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown in January, she is expected to benefit from the less demanding ground conditions at Aintree.
Grand National day tip 2: Kala Conti (Aintree, 12.45) – 1pt win @ 5/1 (PricedUp)
William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (13.20, Aintree)
Pertemps winner Supremely West aims for a notable handicap double across the spring Festivals but faces a 9lb rise for his previous success. Hold The Serve emerges as a progressive alternative, having won his handicap debut by 3½ lengths at Kempton. With potential for further improvement over this longer distance and arriving fresh after bypassing Cheltenham, he offers value against the market leader and is a solid each-way selection.
Grand National day tip 3: Hold The Serve (Aintree, 13.20) – 1pt each-way @ 11/2 (Bet365)
Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (13.55, Aintree)
Ante-post favourite Bossman Jack finished ahead of Ballyfad in the Turners' at Cheltenham, but Ballyfad was hampered by being kicked at the start and had previously defeated the eventual winner, King Rasko Grey, at Leopardstown. With trainer Gordon Elliott targeting this race—having won the last four runnings—and favourable ground conditions, Ballyfad presents an attractive each-way opportunity at the available prices.
Grand National day tip 4: Ballyfad (Aintree, 13.55) – 1pt each-way @ 7/2 (Betfair)
William Hill Handicap Chase (14.30, Aintree)
This competitive race invites a speculative each-way bet on Konfusion, who has enjoyed a successful season with wins at Wetherby and Newcastle. A close third in the Peter Marsh at Haydock in January, he remains well-handicapped and was performing well in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham before falling at the 13th fence. If that incident hasn't left any lasting effects, his current odds are overly generous for an each-way wager.
Grand National day tip 5: Konfusion (Aintree, 14.30) – 1pt each-way @ 11/1 (Paddy Power)
Responsible Gambling Reminder
As you engage in betting on day two of the Grand National Festival, it is crucial to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive, so always maintain control, never view it as a source of income, and only wager what you can afford to lose. Gambling platforms provide tools such as deposit limits, profit and loss trackers, and self-exclusion options to assist in managing your activity. Avoid being swayed by promotional offers like free bets or casino bonuses. If you require support or advice regarding gambling addiction, consider reaching out to organisations such as the NHS, GamCare, or Gamblers Anonymous. We may earn commission from links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial content, which remains unbiased and dedicated to funding quality journalism. Always verify that offers and odds are current at the time of betting, as they are subject to change, and ensure you review all applicable terms and conditions.
