Welcome to our Randox Grand National page where we have something for everybody. Below you will see a list of the best bookmaker sign up offers for the Grand National.
Below that section though, we go into the history of the National and why this great sporting event is so important to the city of Liverpool.
And for you, true horse racing fans, read on as our resident expert Richard Smith analyses all of the racing with a pre-meeting run through and daily form guide.
Which Are The Best Types of Offers to Take Advantage Of For The Grand National?
Grand National Betting Offers: First Race of the Day Refund On Losing Horses
If you’re planning on betting on more than one day at The Grand National meeting, this offer is perfect as it gives you a refund if you fail to pick the winning horse. The free bet is given in 24 hours, usually sooner. Your refund can be used on any sport, so don’t worry if the meeting is over by the time you get your refund from Thursday’s first race.
The Grand National 2022 Non-Runner No Bet
It makes sense to place your bets with a bookmaker that offers their customers the insurance of getting a refund for any horse that fails to start the race. Nobody wants to see their fun £5 bet going down the drain due to not getting a run. The majority of big bookmakers will be offering this for 2022, but it’s always worth checking.
Price Match For The Grand National Meeting
Odds on horses can fluctuate widely so depending on how much you stake on horse racing, getting better odds can make a big difference to your winnings. Leading bookmakers will match any better odds with their nearest business rivals to ensure you get paid out at the best possible odds. No code needed for these usually.
So having online accounts with a number of bookmakers gives you the best opportunity to grab the best price on your selections for Aintree.
Latest & Best Odds Guaranteed For The Grand National
The vast majority of UK bookmakers will offer best odds guaranteed (B.O.G) throughout the meeting, as they normally do for UK and Irish racing. It’s one of their standard offers, aside from the sign-up bonuses. If your horse starts the race at better odds than you took at the time you placed your bet, the bookmaker will pay you any winnings at the higher odds. Perfect for Aintree betting offers. You won’t need to enter any sort of code to receive these latest special prices.
Betting On The Grand National 2022: Getting Free Bets
Aside from the bonuses and offers for the 2022 Grand National like the new customer free bets on offer, watch out for free bets on each race where you place a pre-race wager and then get some free bonuses to use on the next race. Look out for promo codes, bonuses, the odd discount code along with any bookmaker specials on their own blog.
We are often asked which bookies give the best Aintree Grand National meeting offers? The ones that consistently seem to offers the best prices, place terms, special offers and bonues are Bet365, Betfred, Betfair and William Hill. These four usually stand out.
Extra Places
One of the key things to look out for, especially if you like to bet EW are the bookies that offer enhanced places. Why bet the first four places when some are offering six or seven places. And for the big handicaps, you will see a number of bookies paying up to 8 places.
From our experience, the top four bookmakers, the ones who offer the best prices, place terms and special offers are Bet365, Betfred, Betfair and William Hill.
THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL BETTING GUIDE
The city of Liverpool is famous for The Beatles, The Liver Birds, Liverpool Football Club and Cilla Black, but it is most famous for The Grand National
In April the city is taken over by one event and that is the famous Grand National. The Grand National has a steep history and this horse racing spectacle is watched by millions the world over.
Thirty fences and a gruelling four and a quarter miles await the horses and jockeys.
There have been some famous winners down the years and of course the one that will be eternally etched in the history of the race is Red Rum. Make sure to check out the best Grand National sign up offers and see if you can pick this years winner.
USING DATA TO FIND THE WINNER
Going back 10 years and picking the winner of The Grand National would have been more like trying to pick the winning numbers on the national lottery.
However a lot has changed and the race is now run over a shorter distance, fences have been modified with many ditches now taken out or the landing sides levelled to eliminate the risk of injury to horses and jockeys.
Some think these changes go to far. This is all about opinion.
HOW HAVE CHANGES TO THE GRAND NATIONAL AFFECTED BETTING?
In 2021 Minella Times won the race carrying 10st 3lbs which is just 3lbs above the bottom weight. Minella times was rated 146 which means the lowest-rated rival in the 2022 Grand National would have been rated 143
When Bindaree won the Grand national way back in 2002 he carried just a pound more (10st 4lbs) than Minella Times did, however, he was rated nine pounds inferior so if he was around last year he would not have even have got into the race.
If we compare 2016 (Rule The World) who was rated 148 and carried 10st 7lbs and then we look at 2003 winner Monty’s Pass who carried the exact same weight but was also rated 9lbs lower. Another who would not have got into the equivalent race in 2016.
This goes to show how the race is now set up for classier higher rated horses.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
We talked about weights, and if we look at the trends since the year 2000 we can see some interesting trends.
Since 2001 there have been 14 winners that have carried under 11st and of the 7 that have carried more than 11st then only two of those have carried more than 11st 5lbs including Neptune Collonges in 2012 and the popular but ill-fated Many Clouds who was one of the most popular winners in modern times when carrying the welter burden of 11st 9lbs in 2015.
No horse had carried more to victory since Red Rum in 1974. This puts into context why Many Clouds performance was lauded and why his sad loss was mourned by many a staunch racing fan.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER……OR IS IT?
In the same period since the year 2000, we have seen the following winners.
8 years old – 5 winners
9 years old – 6 winners
10 years old – 5 winners
11 years old – 4 winners
12 years old – 1 winner
So just looking at those numbers we can see that 11 and 12-year-olds have a poor record and the statistics clearly say we are more likely to see a winner aged between 8-10 years old.
BACKING A FAVOURITE OR AN OUTSIDER?
With data showing that the race is now set up more for the classier horse, one would think that the times of finding big priced winners has now passed, but is that correct?
Since 2000 there have been only five winners that have returned at a starting price of less than 10/1 which tells us to look for value outside of single figures.
During the same period, we have seen 8 horses return at an SP of between 10/1 and 16/1 and a further 7 horses return at SP’s of between 20/1 and 33/1.
And real outsiders have obliged twice in the same period with Auroras Encore winning at 66/1 in 2013 and Mon Mome winning at odds of 100/1 in 2009.
The above data clearly tells us that backing horses in the 10/1 – 33/1 price range is where the winner will likely come from.
As we get closer to the race, we’ll be coming back to this article and updating with a shortlist of runners who match the above stats and hopefully we can point you in the direction of the potential winner.
THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL TIPS
If this is your first time visiting Ontheballbets then you will not be aware of our coverage of all of the big racing festivals where our relevant expert Richard Smith runs you through every race during the meeting.
You can see Richard’s analysis of other big meetings including the recent Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, The Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup and The Breeders Cup.
He’ll be posting race analysis on the evening before each day’s racing at Aintree.
Daily AINTREE Previews 2022
A quick overview of each day of The Grand National meeting taking place from the 7th – 9th April will be available on the evening before each day’s racing below.
Our pre-meeting analysis is below. But this will be changing in the run up to the meeting as the entries are firmed up.
Day 1 – RANDOX OPENING Day – Thursday 7th april 2022
Ready yourself as punters go wild at the start of the opening race, it’s not quite the same as The Cheltenham Roar but the locals certainly know how to enjoy their racing.
As per every day during the week, racing begins at 1.45pm and the SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase opens proceedings on the first day, with the two-mile four-furlong novice chasers competing. However, Day 1 is highlighted by the Betway Bowl at 2.55pm and then the Betway Aintree Hurdle at 3.30pm
Scheduled races:
1.45pm The SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 4f
2.20pm The Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1f
2.55pm The Betway Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
3.30pm The Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
4.05pm The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 2m 5f
4.40pm The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 2m
5.15pm The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) 2m 1f
The SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase – Grade 1 – 2m 4f
The 2022 Aintree Festival begins with the Manifesto Novices Steeplechase and after being pulled out at Cheltenham due to the ground, once again we see no Paul Nicholls Bravemansgame who would have been a short-priced favourite. He is likely to go for the three-miler later in the week.
Nicholls still has the likely favourite in Pic D’Orhy who won a Grade 2 last time.
A disappointing turnout of only 7 runners here but it is still a competitive heat with Erne River, Warlord, and Gin On Lime sure to give the favourite plenty to think about.
Gin on Lime has not run since his fortunate win at Cheltenham when taking advantage of the fall of My Drogo when seemingly booked for second, War Lord ran a cracker at the Cheltenham Festival when a staying-on fourth behind Edwardstone and the extra half mile on this sharp track should be ideal.
However, the vote goes to ERNE RIVER who is unbeaten this season and was an easy 13 length winner last time. He stays well and looks sure to give a good account.
The Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1f
This looks like it could be a very exciting race and The Pied Piper comes here after an excellent effort in the Triumph hurdle when third behind Vauban. He is the favorite but has no easy task against a Cheltenham Festival winner in Brazil. He was a gutsy winner at Cheltenham and has since been raised 7lb for a narrow success so it remains to be seen if he can back that up.
This looks a two-horse race on the betting, but there are plenty of unexposed horses here, none more so than Jonjo O’Neill‘s Petite Tonnerre who won on UK debut after a couple of wins in France. The form of that three-runner race is questionable although he won easy enough giving the runner up 15lbs.
Knight Salute was disappointing at Cheltenham but may find this flatter track and better ground more to his liking so he is not dismissed.
The two fascinating runners here are the Gary Moore trained In The Air and the Venetia Williams trained Fautinette. Moore’s horse was an odds on favourite for his debut at Newbury and duly obliged whilst this will be the first run for Fautinette in the UK after winning three times in France. To send a horse into this level of competition first time up says a lot and FAUTINETTE must be solid EW value at around the 16/1 mark for Venetia Williams who is having a fantastic season.
The Betway Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
“The Bowl” as it is commonly known by regular race fans is a race for horses that have run in The Gold Cup at Cheltenham and we have the third and fifth here, Protektorat and Royal Pagaille. Both had hard races at Cheltenham and it remains to be seen if they can produce their best, particularly Royal Pagaille who has had a tough yet productive season.
Protektorat will be the fresher of the two and he ran out an impressive winner here at Aintree earlier in the season and is the more likely of those two to make an impact.
The 11-year-old Bristol De Mai would be a very popular winner but he had a really hard race at Haydock last time and may give best to a younger rival here. Last year’s winner Clan Des Obeaux is back for more and after just two runs this season, it seems this has been the main seasonal target for the Nicholls runner.
Kemboy and Eldorado Allen add plenty of spice to the race but the intriguing one is CONFLATED who fell at the Cheltenham Festival when making ground in behind Allaho and would likely have been a clear second. His win in the Irish Gold Cup when beating Minella Indo is top-class form, and he could be the one to come out on top in what looks like a fantastic race.
The Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
The Aintree Hurdle on Day 1 is the consolation for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and gives the horses that need a stronger test of stamina the chance to shine.
We have the second and third from The Champion Hurdle here in Epatante and Zanahiyr. Both ran very well at Cheltenham and it is difficult to see the latter turning round that form.
Of the others we also have the Champion Hurdle fifth Glory and Fortune who will appreciate the flatter track and also the extra half mile. This one put in an improved performance in the Champion Hurdle and could still have more to offer.
The admirable Guard Your Dreams has finished in the first three in his last seven races but a rating of 145 leaves him with plenty to find with the principals and this is probably a step to far class wise, while the other three may need to find improvement to get involved. A strong race and GLORY AND FORTUNE looks the one as a value EW bet.
N.B. Betfred are paying 3 places on this race.
The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 2m 5f
Sam Whaley-Cohen has an enviable record over the big Aintree fences and anything he rides has to be taken seriously and he rides the favourite Jett who after finishing 8th in the Grand National last year, looks a worthy favourite and looks to have been laid out for this. He was 15 lengths clear at the 23rd fence but weakened late on. This 2 miles 5 furlongs trip could be ideal and he had a recent pipe opener just a few weeks back.
His biggest danger looks like being the 9 year old Latenightpass who was fourth in last years hunter chase at the Cheltenham before running an even better race to finish second in this race behind another of today’s rivals Cousin Pascal who renews rivalry but comes here after a poor run at Cheltenham.
Mighty Stowaway finished third in the hunter chase at Cheltenham and this drop down in trip looks sure to suit. Will be mixing it up front with Jett and could be decent each way value.
The potential “dark horse” is Myth Buster who is ridden by top amateur Patrick Mullins who is an eye catching jockey booking. Rated 8lb inferior to the favourite Jett but won a hunter chase at Musselburgh very easily on last rules start and at around 16/1, looks great EW value with many bookmakers paying five places.
A good race and the vote has to go to JETT with MYTH BUSTER a live danger.
N.B. Bet365 are paying 6 places on this race
The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 2m
Always a fiercely contested handicap with a big field of 18 runners taking part.
We are bound to see plenty of the usual suspects in this and looking at the recent race at Cheltenham there are a few that look of interest.
Frero Banbou who was third at Cheltenham blundered his chance away late but you have to like the way he stayed on again and must be one for the shortlist. He is 6lbs better off with the winner at Cheltenham Global Citizen and may have his measure this time. Top weight Sky Pirate is back again and the handicapper has dropped this one another 3 lbs which should make him competitive.
Looking at some of the horses who did not run at the festival and will be coming here fresh then , King D’Argent, Shakem up Arry and Gunsight Ridge all look to be improving.
King D’Argent had been struggling from much higher marks until bouncing back to form last time and he looks sure to go well. Shakem Up Arry has been in the frame in his last three and comes here in peak form whilst GUNSIGHT RIDGE has been in the frame in 9 out of his 10 races and still looks unexposed. He ran well to finish third here back in November and looks fair value at around the 8/1 mark.
N.B. William Hill are paying 5 places on this race
The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) 2m 1f
Always a very competitive race and always a big field for punters to get stuck into but there is one horse that will have clearly have been saved for this after not running Cheltenham due to the ground and that is the Milton harris trained Rosy Redrum. Quite a topical name, given the fact The Grand National itself was made famous by Red Rum.
Harris’s Mullenbeg won the bumper on Festival trials day but Harris was quick to point out that Rosy Redrum was possibly the better of the two, which puts her right in the mix, and there must be more to come after just two starts. She has been heavily punted into favourite for this so the stable clearly fancy her strongly and at around 4/1 the value has possibly gone.
Looking at some of the runners at bigger prices, then a few catch the eye.
Lady Excalibur who won an 18 runner bumper here has Rachael Blackmore in the saddle and she has been very progressive and looks one for the shortlist. The McCain name is etched in Aintree history and Donald McCain teams up with champion jockey elect Brian Houghes with Roc Of Dundee who was placed in both point to points but has a 100% record under rules with two wins from two starts. At around 16/1, this one looks seriously good EW value.
ILLIADE ALLEN has joined the Paul Nicholls yard after being purchased for £130,000 after finishing second behind Poetic Flare in a listed number at Cheltenham. The winner has since gone on to finish a very creditable sixth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham so that form looks rock solid and this one looks the value at around 10/1 at EW prices.
N.B. William Hill and Betfair are paying 5 places on this race.
Conclusion
As always a cracking day’s racing, and for punters, make sure to check out all of the best Grand National sign up offers from all of the bookmakers and make sure that you hunt out the best place terms if you are betting in the big field handicaps, with many bookmakers going 5 and 6 places.
Day 2 – randox Ladies Day – friday 8th april 2022
We kick off day two with an ultra-competitive two and a half mile handicap hurdle with the highlight of the day being The Marsh Steeplechase which is then swiftly followed by the Topham which takes place over the National fences.
Today is Ladies Day and the girls in Liverpool certainly take the opportunity to get dressed up for the occasion.
Hopefully we’ll be in for another cracking days racing on Day 2.
Scheduled races:
1:45 pm 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 4f
2.20 pm The Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m ½f
2.50 pm The Betway Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f
3.25 pm The Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1) 2m 4f
4.05 pm The Randox Health Topham Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f
4.40 pm Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f
5.15 pm Park Palace Ponies Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys And Amateur Riders) 2m 1f
20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 4f
Day 2 kicks off with a highly competitive handicap hurdle and here we are likely to see horses from the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe conditionals handicaps at Cheltenham lock horns here.
The favourite here is Langer Dan from the Dan Skelton yard and he was made favourite for one of the big handicaps at The Cheltenham Festival only to be bought down at the first hurdle, so connections will be looking for compensation here. He was backed into favourite for that race at Cheltenham and is unquestionably well handicapped on his past form. However, 11/4 looks very short and there are sure to be other well-handicapped horses in here.
Looking further down the card then Garry Clermont and Cobblers Dream both ran at The Cheltenham Festival with the latter finishing a fine second in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap, and although being raised another 4lbs, further improvement is very possible. Jockey Jack Andrews can claim 5lb here so the horse is really a pound better off at the weights here.
Further down the handicap and Speech Bubble has to be of interest. She was a fine second behind Love Envoi and that horse retained its unbeaten record when winning at the Cheltenham Festival and the opening handicap mark looks very fair.
Others to note include Mackenberg, Peking Rose, and Paddy’s Motorbike but it is SPEECH BUBBLE that looks to be the most unexposed from a handicapping perspective.
The Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m ½f
This is one for the runners from the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham as well as some of the up-and-coming novices yet to be seen much in public.
It’s doubtful we’ll see the winner at Cheltenham Constitution Hill take his chance, but his stablemate Jonbon lines up here and is around the even money mark in the betting after finishing second in the Cheltenham race. He should really prove very difficult to beat here.
9 runners go to post and the main danger to the favourite looks to be the Willie Mullins trained El Fabiolo who sauntered home by 15 lengths on his first start for the Closutton maestro and could be anything.
Jonbon’s trainer Nicky Henderson also runs First Street who ran very well in The Betfair Hurdle earlier in the season before a fine second at Cheltenham when running in the County Hurdle and he comes in here off an identical rating of 147. The fact he is rated the same as his stablemate means he is very good each-way value at around 5/1.
Looking at something at a bigger price, then the one that catches the eye is Vina Ardanza from the Gordon Elliot yard who won on debut for the yard and then followed up with an even better run last time in graded company being beaten just a head.
A small field but highly competitive and the vote from a value perspective goes to FIRST STREET who is already proven from a handicapping rating perspective.
The Betway Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f
This is the chase for the staying novice chasers and we only have a field of four but what a race this promises to be with Bravemansgame, L’Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor along with Irish raider Fury Road.
Bravemansgame was withdrawn at Cheltenham but L’Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor served up a cracker with Venetia Williams horse coming out on top. The bookmakers make it a two-horse race, but Ahoy Senor should not be discounted here if jumping better.
Fury Road looks out of his depth here and this race is just impossible to call. A slight preference is for BRAVEMANSGAME who will be a bit fresher than his two main market rivals. A true race to savor.
The Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1) 2m 4f
Last years winner Fakir D’Oudairies is back to defend his title and looks like going off a short-price favourite. Joseph O’Brien’s horse loves this two-and-a-half-mile trip and he has already had a great season winning a Grade 1 at Ascot last time out.
Funambule Sivola has improved all season and put up a career-best effort last time in The Champion Chase and looks the one who might be able to give the favourite a run for his money. Of the ones at bigger prices, then Rachael Blackmore’s mount Captain Guinness could be the EW value. His jumping has improved throughout the season and he was a winner last time when giving 7lbs and a two-length beating to the talented Blackbow.
A very competitive race and the vote has to go to FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES who has that touch of class.
The Randox Health Topham Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f
The Topham is always highly anticipated with lots of thrills and spills as they go a helter-skelter pace over the intermediate 2mile 5-furlong trip and with a field of 30 going to post, it’s a more or less impossible puzzle to solve.
We have last year’s second and third Pink Eyed Pedro and Senior Citizen and both of those have plenty of experience over these fences and both hold solid each-way chances. The top weight is Royal Rendezvous from the Willie Mullins yard and this one has been running well all season. It remains to be seen how he takes to these unique fences but is not discounted lightly.
Mister Coffey from the Nicky Henderson yard has run well all season and has already run well at Aintree, albeit over hurdles. His chance is clear to see and is one of the favourites for the race.
One out of left field that could go well is Colorado Doc who is well treated on his best form, has a nice low weight and he won in the spring last year off just a 3lb lower mark.
A very exciting race and a very tough one to call but SENIOR CITIZEN should give backers a good run for their money have been in the frame the last two times he has competed over the big Aintree Grand National fences.
This year’s renewal is shaping up to be a very open race and we could see this being an 8/1 the field race on the day, it is looking that open.
Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f
The graded hurdle for the staying novice hurdlers and Banbridge is the 11/4 favourite to follow up his win at The Cheltenham Festival.
The second in that race Cobblers Dream runs in the first race today so that may give a pointer to this one’s chances. He looks a bit short at the overnight price so let’s look at some other rivals who may be a bit more value.
Bowtogreatness fell the first time out this season but has gone on to win his last two, impressing with his jumping, and this step up in distance looks sure to bring more improvement and jockey Keilan Woods has already had a winner at the meeting.
Duke of Bronte from the Skelton yard was a very classy horse on the flat and after a lackluster first effort over hurdles, he made no mistake the second time and looks totally unexposed and could be one who could easily turn into a 140+ rated hurdler, a rating that would give him a solid chance here.
However, the one with the most scope looks to be GELINO BELLO who was a very easy winner last time against weaker opposition but had previously run well behind the highly rated Blazing Khal at Cheltenham.
Park Palace Ponies Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys And Amateur Riders) 2m 1f
The concluding race on Day 2 is the 2 mile handicap hurdle and here you will need to be looking for horses that can travel and be held up off a strong pace.
Top weight Faivoir ran exactly that type of race when finishing mid-division in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham when staying on late from the final bend. He has a tough task off top weight but at around 14/1, looks fair value for each-way punters.
Richmond Lake for Donald McCain and the late Trevor Hemmings was a faller late on last time but he has continued to improve all season and should be near the head of the market here while another in single figures who should give a good account is Whizz Kid for Dr Richard Newland. He was well beaten first time out but that came up against the highly impressive Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Constitution HIll. Whizz Kid has since gone on to win his next two starts, including very easily last time.
At bigger prices then Red Force One could be a surprise package. He was a 100/1 shot when finishing sixth in the corresponding race last year and will be a big outsider once more. He is rated 8lbs lower this time so is definitely well handicapped.
A tough race to call with a narrow vote going to WHIZZ KID to bring up the hat-trick.
Conclusion
As always a cracking day’s racing and for punters, make sure to check out all of the best Aintree sign up offers from all of the bookmakers and make sure that you hunt out the best place terms on The Topham and the other big field handicaps, with many bookmakers going 7 places.
Day 3 – Randox Grand national Day – saturday 9th APRIL 2022
So here we are at Day 3 and it’s the one we have all been waiting for with 40 runners going to post for the world’s most famous steeplechase. And before the big event, we have our appetites wettened with The Liverpool Hurdle for the 3-mile staying hurdlers.
The final day of the meeting begins with a handicap and two novice events before we get into the main graded action with three hurdle races.
Scheduled races:
1:45pm The EFT Construction Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 3m ½f
2.25pm The Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
3.00pm The Poundland Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m
3.35pm The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m ½f
4.15pm The Betway Handicap Steeple Chase (Listed) 3m 1f
5:15pm The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f
6.20pm The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f
The EFT Construction Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 3m ½f
A cracking opening to Grand National Saturday and a highly competitive handicap hurdle with Winter Fog the current favourite after a fine fourth in the Pertemps Final at The Cheltenham Festival.
Nicky Henderson runs the admirable Mill Green who finished one place ahead of Winter Fog at Cheltenham but is a pound worse off at the weights. There should be little between them again.
Another veteran who went well at Cheltenham is If The Cap Fits and he was staying on strongly in the same race finishing 6th. He has excellent back form here at Aintree and looks really good value with Bet365 going 5 places.
These handicaps are so difficult to unravel but one that ran really well at Cheltenham is PARTY BUSINESS. He was way out the back turning for home at Cheltenham but made ground all the way to the line and is another with very solid each-way claims.
The Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
We have to start with the favourite Three Stripe Life who has run well all season and was a very good second behind Sir Gerhard at The Cheltenham Festival. That is top class form and he is a worthy favourite.
Stage Star for the Paul Nicholls team hated the ground at Cheltenham and we can expect a better showing today.
Laura Fowler’s Colonel Mustard could well be the villain in the game today as his third at Cheltenham came behind the very well handicapped State Man and the highly progressive First Street. He’ll give the favourite a good run for his money. However, THREE STRIPE LIFE gets the vote to put one on the board for favourite backers.
The Poundland Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 – 2m
Next up sees the impressive Arkle winner EDWARDSTONE look to double up and it is very difficult to see him being beaten.
He was 3rd of 22 in a hurdle race last year so also boasts solid course form.
If the Cheltenham Festival has taken anything out of him then the most likely danger will come from the Willie Mullins trained Gentleman de Mee who has won his last two starts in the style of a very good horse. This will, however, be his toughest task to date and this looks like another one for favourite backers.
The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 – 3m ½f
The Liverpool Hurdle sees the dual Cheltenham Festival Stayers Hurdle champion Flooring Porter going for a big race double and If Danny Mullins can get him out in front then he could be a tough nut to crack.
Thyme Hill reopposes and is no forlorn hope having stayed on well from the last in the Stayers Hurdle.
The one that could surprise at a big price is Koshari who won here in November when an 80/1 shot and was not disgraced when finishing seventh in The Stayers Hurdle when a 100/1 shot.
He was coming back from an injury and should close the gap on the principals. However, a strong vote goes to FLOORING PORTER to do the Cheltenham/Aintree double
The Betway Handicap Steeple Chase (Listed) 3m 1f
A very competitive handicap chase before we head into the big one.
Sam Brown ran well here back in December when third and is a pound lower in the handicap so looks to hold a solid each-way chance.
Near the head of the market, we have Tea Clipper who was third at this meeting last year and is coming here off a 4th of 26 in The Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. The handicapper has dropped him a pound and his chance is clear for all to see.
The favourite is Oscar Elite and he finished third in the above race. Yet to win this season but has been highly consistent and sure to run a big race.
At bigger prices, Mint Condition and Didero Vallis could well outrun their odds. A tough race to call with SAM BROWN getting the vote a value each-way bet.
The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f
Last year’s winner Minella Times is back for more but he has had a disappointing season so far and is a whopping 15 lbs higher this time around which will make things very tough.
Any Second Now who was universally agreed to have been an unlucky loser has a much better chance at the weights and comes here bang in form.
Snow Leopardess has been well fancied since her win here in November but there has to be a question mark about the trip and at around 7/1 she offers no value at all.
Fiddlerontheroof and Fortescue battled out the finish at Ascot in February with the latter looking a real stayer. Whether he has the class is another question, but he has sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap and any rain will aid his chances.
Gordon Elliot runs 7 in this and his Run Wild Fred could be the best of them. He was second in the Irish Grand National last year and has been in the first two in his last seven races. A very sound jumper who should give punters a good run for their money.
Looking at some very big prices then the 12-year-old Anibale Fly has to be of interest. Maybe not for win purposes but with Betfred and many other bookmakers paying 6 places, at around 50/1 he represents good value.
Having been placed in the race twice, he knows his way around, is a sound jumper and his preparation (run over shorter last time) has been geared towards this.
Many you can choose from as always, but our three against the field are RUN WILD FRED, FORTESCUE & ANIBALE FLY.
The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f
The final race of the 2022 Randox Grand National meeting is the bumper and a big field of 20 go to post.
Chianti Classico is one of the highest-rated in the race and comes here after a 4-month break having won on the second start under rules. Sure to be coming here fit and ready for the Kim Bailey yard and lots to like about his win last time.
It wouldn’t be a bumper without a Willie Mullins runner and he has two here. Son, Patrick Mullins rides the dual winner Rath Gaul Boy and he looks sure to give a good account, while stable jockey Paul Townend rides the Rich and Sussanah Ricci owned Houlanbatordechais.
This one raced far too keenly at Cheltenham and this sharper track and slightly weaker field could see this one also go well.
Sam Thomas is having a great season and his Shomen Uchi won in a canter last time after finishing 2nd of 18 on debut. He was so visually impressive that you would think this step up in class will not be a problem.
One that could outrun his odds is Blow Your Wad (an aptly named horse) who has run twice and finished second twice.
He hung badly left last time so going the other way round should help and may well have won last time.
A highly competitive event with SHOMEN UCHI getting a narrow vote.
Conclusion
It really is another fascinating race for the big one. Make sure to check out all the latest offers here at Ontheballbets with many bookmakers offering plenty of promotions on the 2022 Grand National.
The Aintree Grand National Meeting Is One Of The Biggest Horse Racing Meetings In The World
Although there are many big meetings at weekends and during the season within the national hunt calendar, it is the early April Grand National meeting that is regarded as one of the biggest national hunt racing meetings of the year.
Trainers To Watch This Year When Using Your New Customer Offers
Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are likely to be fighting it out for the top trainer accolade at Aintree as they were at the recent Cheltenham Festival and at the time of writing they still had nearly 19 entries between them for the big race. This is sure to be whittled down closer to the race, but expect them to be there with strong teams.
Of course, last year’s winner Minella Times runs for Henry De Bromhead, but also look out for the ladies.
Sue Smith and Lucinda Russell have sent out the winner of the big one during the last ten years and this season Russell, Venetia Williams, Emma Lavelle, Jessica Harrington and Polly Gundry have entries in the mix.
Factors To Take Into Account When Betting On The Grand National
Ground conditions – During early Spring, there is often a tendency for underfoot conditions to be quicker than during the depths of winter. ‘Good to Soft’ ground often prevails and this does not always suit horses campaigned with success in the mud (‘soft’) during the preceding months. Save your sign-up offers and free bets to use on horses that are proven on good ground.
The famous run-in after the last as horses are rounding the famous “elbow” and into the final one-and-a-half furlongs is one of the most taxing home stretches in all of racing.
Even if your horse is ten or even fifteen lengths back over the last, things can change dramatically on the run-in as proven by Red Rum’s win in 1973 and more recently when Neptune Collonges got up in the shadows of the post to win in dramatic fashion.
You have surely heard the saying “Horses for courses” and never could a statement be more true. You’ll want to look at horses that have jumped round the National fences before as you need a horse with experience of these unique obstacles.
The Bookies – There is so much competition among the bookmakers during The Grand National meeting, even on the High Street, that it pays to watch the offers available. Money-back when the favourite wins is one to note especially with several favourites winning on the first two days in recent seasons.
Final Tip
Make sure to check out all the reviews on Ontheballbets and make sure whatever you are betting on, gamble responsibly.
Other Major Race Meetings
As well as Aintree and The Grand National, our expert Richard Smith covers all of the big race meetings from across the World, and you can also read his thoughts on Cheltenham, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, with more coming later this year, including the Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, The Breeders Cup and The Melbourne Cup.