Horse racing legends Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy have disagreed on their picks for this year's Grand National, with Walsh favouring Perceval Legallois and McCoy sticking with last year's winner I Am Maximus. Speaking on ITV ahead of Saturday's race, the duo were asked to select their top four runners.
McCoy, 50, opted for I Am Maximus as his winner, adding Grangeclare West, Stumptown and Intense Raffles to his list. 'I went I Am Maximus last year and I'm going again this year,' he said. Walsh, however, plucked for Perceval Legallois, Minella Cocooner, I Am Maximus and Fil Dor. He told Racing TV: 'I think Perceval Legallois is the one to be with myself. I thought he was a good winner of the Paddy Power. Gavin Cromwell's horses are in great form.'
The pair only shared one horse among their favourites: I Am Maximus. The field is bunched with no short-priced favourite, though I Am Maximus is expected to start as the jolly. Other contenders include Iroko, Perceval Legallois, Stumptown and Hewick, all closely matched in the betting.
Owner JP McManus, seeking a record fourth Grand National victory, also backed I Am Maximus, telling The Telegraph: 'We've got a few with chances but I think I Am Maximus has the best chance; he's proven.' Broadcaster Matt Chapman echoed that sentiment, while analyst Kevin Blake chose Minella Cocooner, and Mirror Sport's David Yates praised Perceval Legallois's 'perfect profile'.
Odds for McCoy's picks are I Am Maximus at 6-1, Stumptown at 8-1, Grangeclare West at 25-1 and Intense Raffles at 12-1. Walsh's choices see Minella Cocooner at 12-1, Perceval Legallois at 12-1, and Fil Dor at 50-1. Thirty-four runners will tackle four miles and two and a half furlongs at Aintree on Saturday afternoon.
