Grand National Who To Bet On: Six of the best for Aintree showpiece

One of Britain's most treasured sporting events is upon us once more on Saturday afternoon as the nation gets ready to savour the Grand National at Aintree. 

In my 'Grand National Who To Bet On' guide, I've picked out six lively contenders at a wide range of prices, each that hopefully should have something to offer. Give them some thought and good luck with whatever you settle on for The People's Race!

A field of 34 hopefuls will line up to face the four-and-a-quarter-mile journey around the famous Liverpool layout, with 30 fences to negotiate between them and a place in the history books.

The Grand National is a race set apart from anything else racing has to offer and draws together seasoned punters and once-a-year bettors alike in an attempt to solve the puzzle.

Betfred are offering a whopping SEVEN places in the each-way market, giving punters the best chance to find some Grand National glory.

16:00 Aintree – Iroko each-way @ 9/1

This race has been the long-term plan for Iroko ever since he finished second behind Inothewayurthinkin in a Grade 1 at this meeting 12 months ago.

Joint-trainers Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero have been plotting a path backwards from the National ever since, and, in all probability, his four runs this season have been taken on with an eye cast towards getting back here.

Iroko was second to Grade 1 performer Grey Dawning at Kelso last time over just shy of three miles and he may well relish this stamina test, with a nice weight of 10st 11lb under the in-form Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

16:00 Aintree – Minella Cocooner each-way @ 14/1

Willie Mullins has an incredibly strong hand, with his six runners including defending champion I Am Maximus, but Minella Cocooner is also interesting under Jonathan Burke.

He scored at Sandown last year in this month over a marathon trip of more than three-and-a-half miles and he could excel here. He has run well in some tough races this season in Ireland, including when fourth behind Nick Rockett at Fairyhouse in February, and he should give a good account now.

16:00 Aintree – Hyland each-way @ 18/1

Nicky Henderson's Grand National hoodoo has seen the Seven Barrows supremo go a whole career without winning this race or any of the major Nationals across Britain and Ireland. It would be a travesty should he sign off without checking that box.

Hyland is a smart and progressive novice over fences, something that we've seen to good effect in this race in recent years, with six runs behind him now.

He's a strong stayer, and he just crept into Saturday’s showpiece off a mark of 147, with only 10st 6lb to carry. His trainer is very sweet on his chances.

16:00 Aintree – Three Card Brag each-way @ 18/1

Gordon Elliott is bidding to win a record-equalling fourth Grand National, and the Cullentra handler would have been relieved to see Three Card Brag getting in on Monday after the final confirmations.

He's always been touted as a strong stayer, and he had some super novice form last season behind Corbetts Cross, Monty's Star and Spillane's Tower.

This term, he won a Navan beginners' event in January and was then third behind stablemates Better Days Ahead and Stellar Story in a graded novice back there before that duo placed at the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion jockey-elect Sean Bowen has been paired with Three Card Brag, and they have just 10st 5lb to carry

16:00 Aintree - Beauport each-way @ 25/1

Nigel Twiston-Davies knows the job of unearthing a National winner; the Naunton handler has twice pocketed this race, and he teams up with son Sam as Beauport takes a crack at the big one.

On his most recent chase start, the nine-year-old won the 3m5½f Berkshire National at Ascot in November. He has twice run well in graded contests over hurdles since and while he's 12lb higher in the ratings now, his ability to stay is not to be taken lightly.

There are risks, as he is sometimes all or nothing, but if he's in the mood, he can run a big one as he showed in winning the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last season, and the drying conditions won't phase him.

16:00 Aintree – Threeunderthrufive each-way @ 50/1

Paul Nicholls has a five-strong team for the National and Threeunderthrufive is perhaps the one being underestimated in the betting.

He's a big, strong staying type and was fourth in the Scottish National two years ago. He has rarely run a poor race in six outings over two seasons since and this race has long been a potential target.

Threeunderthrufive ran a blinder behind Victtorino at Ascot in February off this mark of 153 and his trainer believes he's tailor-made for the National.

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