Latest Grand National Odds: Corach Rambler still leads the way

The world's most iconic jumps race is nearly upon us once more, with Saturday afternoon set to see Aintree come to life for the 2024 Grand National, due off at 16:00.

After the final field of 34 were declared on Thursday morning, we're taking a look at the Latest Grand National Odds as one of Britain's true sporting traditions looms ever closer.

Atop the betting is last year's winner Corach Rambler at 5/1 for trainer Lucinda Russell.

She's seeking to provide a third Scottish-trained winner since 2017, having also won that year with One For Arthur.

Corach Rambler was a convincing winner 12 months ago and, while he's now rated 13lb higher, he's officially still got 3lb in hand on official ratings after last month's excellent Gold Cup third at Cheltenham.

Britain may have the favourite, but in behind comes the Irish charge in a race that the raiding party has made a real habit of dominating recently. In 2022 the first three home were Irish-trained, while a year previous it was the first five and behind Corach Rambler last year, the next five were from across the Irish Sea.

Willie Mullins came to Aintree this week with genuine hopes of igniting his quest to become champion trainer in Britain for the first time. I Am Maximus at 7/1 is amongst his major hopes of a second National win, following that of Hedgehunter in 2005, and has Paul Townend on board.

Meetingofthewaters (8/1) has been one of the best-backed contenders this week for Mullins and jockey Danny Mullins, while Mr Incredible showed his stamina when second in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter and is 11/1 to go one spot better here with Brian Hayes retaining the ride.

If Mullins can plunder the £500,000 top prize on offer, it could leave Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton in a major pickle when it comes to that trainers' title being handed out in a few weeks at Sandown.

Last year's runner-up Vanillier is back for more, with the Gavin Cromwell runner in at 9/1 to wrestle away the crown from Corach Rambler now.

Cromwell also saddles the mare Limerick Lace after her Cheltenham Festival heroics last time. At 16/1, she is the pick of Mark Walsh from the plethora of contenders set to carry owner JP McManus' silks.

There surely would be no more popular winner than Kitty's Light at 12/1, winner of the Scottish National at Ayr last season over four miles and one that seems bound to stay the trip. He's become synonymous with trainer Christian Williams and there is a real emotional attachment to their story. Jack Tudor rides and Kitty's Light crept in at number 34, carrying bottom-weight of 10st 7lb.

Gordon Elliott, a three-time winner of the Grand National, is responsible for eight of the 34 runners including the likes of Galvin (33/1) and Delta Work (20/1), who was third last year.

They are interesting contenders as is Minella Indo (16/1). Henry de Bromhead's former Gold Cup kingpin is a class act in this field, but he has his share of weight to carry if he's going to give Rachael Blackmore her second success in the race.

Noble Yeats defied the trends to win this race as a seven-year-old two years ago for Emmet Mullins and ran well in defeat last time. He's in the book at 18/1 to once more stun the stats-watchers by regaining this prize having won, then lost it. That hasn't been done since Red Rum won his third in 1977 and if Noble Yeats and Harry Cobden are going to prevail, they must do so off top-weight, 11st 12lb.

Aintree is once more set as the backdrop to a rollercoaster race, the Grand National unmatched as it is for drama and capturing public imagination.

Betfred are paying 7 Places on Each Way bets on the 2024 Grand National at 1/5 the odds.

Remember, you can check out all of our Grand National Tips on our dedicated section, with plenty of content planned before the race on Saturday.