Latest Grand National Odds: Betfred market moves ahead of the big one

The Grand National market is dynamic, and fluid. There's huge interest worldwide on the great race, and the betting will always reflect that. Who's hot - and who's not? Where is the money going, as we get closer to the race itself - and who are the big losers in the book? I'm in close contact with the head of horse racing trading this morning here at the office (Sat), and will look to set out below some of the very latest market moves, the most popular selections among Betfred customers, and the biggest potential hits for us.

One early thought from me is the relative weakness of Vanillier in the last 24/36 hours - from a solid 9/1 or thereabouts to an easy-to-back 12/1. I can only think that there are concerns about the testing ground, because on last year's mighty second he's got a fantastic chance for me. It will be fascinating to see if any support changes that scenario, as the day unfolds. I'm going to collate more information later this morning and let you know, below, concerning the very latest Grand National odds.

• One interesting indicator - early on Saturday morning, the three horses featuring on the highest number of betting slips in the Betfred shops are; I Am Maximus, Mr Incredible, and Kitty's Light.

Kitty's Light would be a wonderful story, given that trainer Christian Williams' family have been living in the shadow of his youngest daughter's battle against serious ill-health. We wish them all well.

I Am Maximus evokes just the kind of gladiatorial flavour attached to top-level sport and he represents some of the very best in the business - trainer Willie Mullins, owner JP McManus, and jockey Paul Townend.

Willie doesn't dominate this race like he has many others, but he's got several fabulous chances this time - notably Meetingofthewaters and Mr Incredible.

• Saturday early doors once again - and our biggest losers right now are Run Wild Fred, Ain't That A Shame and Foxy Jacks. This will surely change - stay tuned. AND SURE ENOUGH - Run Wild Fred now doesn't run - nor does Chambard.
• This is starting to feel like a chart rundown - Kitty's Light is now the second-best backed in the race with us, after I Am Maximus.

I'm going to pop this up and publish it now - I'll perhaps revisit later. Right now there's a lot of market confidence behind Limerick Lace, another JP McManus-owned Irish raider trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Mark Walsh. He's around the 8/1 mark, closing in on favouritism.

Kitty's Light remains popular but at 14s still a lovely price. My contact in Racing trading HQ reports Corach Rambler to be relatively weak in the market, and that he feels I Am Maximus will start favourite.

Good luck!!

Alan.