Today’s the day everyone focuses their attention to Horse Racing . Girlfriends, Grannies, the mother absolutely everyone wants a slice of the action . This year will see more people than ever before tune into the Aintree Grand National 17:15 with the timing pushed back two hours this year to facilitate more viewers.

So who wins it then ?

Sam Twiston Davies has chosen SAHIR DU RHEU (20/1) and he looks to be Paul Nicholls best chance at landing the U.K trainers title this season. The Champion trainer has pulled championships late out of the fire in the past with Grand National success and he’s attempting to do the same again by firing five bullets.

Comparing Saphir Du Rheu to the mighty  Denman in his early days you’d have to believe the horse hasn’t ever reached his full potential over the larger obstacles. 6Ib’s well in here on his Gold Cup run , Saphir should be well able for these National fences. Huge player .

Nicholls has another cracking chance here with VICENTE (22/1). Winning the Scottish Grand National last season he has dropped to the same mark today. All he does is jump and stay, perhaps the best stayer in the field with one of the most under rated pilots in the UK Brian Hughes taking the ride. Trevor Hemmings has a super record in the National landing it with both Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs in the past.

Our third play of the National comes in the form of the Gordon Elliott trained ROI DES FRANCS (80/1). This lad won a bumper for Tony Mullins before being bought by Gigginstown as a novice hurdler. Common belief was this son of Poliglote would make it to the very top over fences, after a return to form and a change in stable this term he turns up here off a mark of a potentially good mark. The 4m 2f will be right up his ally and it’s possible Jack Kennedy can make history as the youngest ever winning rider.

By Barry Doyle 08/04/17