Aintree Grand National Preview: Three things to look out for ahead of the big race
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Some sterling advice ahead of the big showpiece
The 2018 Aintree Grand National takes place this Saturday, April 14th at 5.15 at the famous old Liverpool racecourse.
It’s arguably the greatest and most famous race in all of horse racing, steeped in history from as far back as 1839. With 40 runners, over four miles, and thirty fences – anything can happen!
It’s a unique experience and one of the most testing sporting trials of the entire year.
Ahead of the big race, the Coral News Team have put together three things to look out for…
It’s a favourite’s graveyard
One of the over-arching themes of the Grand National over the last few decades is how badly favourites tend to do.
Since 1974, just six horses who’ve headed the betting from the off have justified their favourite’s tag. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge Blaklion is expected to go off as favourite this Saturday.
He did so too last year, finishing in fourth. A year older and more experienced, could the nine-year-old son of Kayf Tara now put the favourite’s hoodoo to bed?
National winners are more progressive nowadays
While National favourites tend to get edged out, there is still sufficient evidence in recent years to suggest that better horses win the National.
Long gone are the days when older, more experienced nags would stay the course ahead of younger, more eager sorts.
Five of the last six winners had contested a Grade One race at some point in their careers before going on to National success.
Although with the race such a slog, it’s definitely advantageous if a horse has previous National experience.
It’s not just the National
For less experienced racing punters, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the Grand National.
Yes, it’s the biggest race of the lot – but it’s also part of a three-day racing extravaganza from Aintree, beginning on Thursday.
Much like Cheltenham, there is a raft of Grade 1 to Grade 3 races across the three days with a host of stars lined up at Liverpool.
The likes of Might Bite, Supasundae, Bristol De Mai, Min and many more will be on show.
It’s all set up for a super few days!
Find out more information in our Grand national guide for 2018
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
