2018 Grand National: Three Leading Contenders For Aintree Glory

The 2018 Grand National will take place on Saturday 14th April this year and thousands of avid racegoers will travel to Aintree Racecourse to watch the greatest horse racing event on the planet. In 2017, ONE FOR ARTHUR – trained by the likeable Lucinda Russell – defeated 39 rivals to claim victory but the defending champion will not be back to bid for a second successive win in the race.

But One For Arthur’s disappointment is another horse’s gain and there are plenty of viable candidates who could go on to win the 2018 renewal. According to GrandNational.fans, over 10 million people will watch the race and most will be placing a bet ahead of the event. From ante post favourite BLAKLION to outsider of the field MAGGIO, the Aintree showpiece is sure to be fiercely contested – here are three potential winners of the Merseyside race.

TOTAL RECALL

The Willie Mullins-trained TOTAL RECALL has a fantastic opportunity to claim a second win in the race for his trainer after Hedgehunter’s triumph back in 2005. With three victories in big field races since the start of 2017, he has the capacity to run well.

All three of those wins were over 3 miles; ticking another important box on the Grand National checklist. Total Recall isn’t perfect by any means but he has the quality to go close, especially with the talented Ruby Walsh on board.

He will head to Cheltenham for a shot at the Gold Cup first and Aintree punters will be hoping for a safe and successful trip to Prestbury Park. If he walks away from Cheltenham at 100%, Mullins will have him primed for a run at Aintree.

Odds: 10/1

THE LAST SAMURI

It was a case of close but no cigar for THE LAST SAMURI in 2016 as he finished second by the narrowest of margins – but his Aintree form should help to reassure punters who may have second thoughts on whether to back the ninth heaviest horse in the race.

The bookmakers will be wary of Kim Bailey’s charge if all of his rivals remain in contention; although that already looks unlikely. The Last Samuri finished 17th last year and punters will be keeping a close eye on the declarations as April draws closer.

With perfect conditions, The Last Samuri can feature prominently and it would take a brave man to back against him. Well, either brave or foolish. He has the class, the record and the form to go close once again.

Odds: 18/1

TIGER ROLL

At a slightly bigger price, TIGER ROLL can run well for trainer Gordon Elliott. A Cheltenham Festival winner in 2017, the Gigginstown star could head to Aintree for the National – the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham is his immediate objective though.

Tiger Roll’s Festival victory came over 3 miles, 7 furlongs and that win should stand him in good stead for Aintree’s epic 4 mile trip. If you can get up and down the famous Cheltenham hill, you should be able to handle the Merseyside racecourse.

Whatever happens at Cheltenham, it is worth taking the odds on Tiger Roll now. 33/1 is an excellent price for a horse with proven distance-racing form and he could be the one to beat at Aintree this year.

Odds: 33/1