The top five races for the 2019 Aintree Grand National Festival
Published:
Including latest Grand National odds
The biggest race of the year is almost here. But the Grand National isn’t the only race at Aintree.
It’s just one part of three top days of racing, featuring the finest horses, jockeys and trainers.
We’ve put together a quick guide on the biggest races across the three-day festival…
Thursday
The first of two potentially fascinating races on day one. Clan Des Obeaux heads up the betting for the 3m 1f Betway Bowl.
Paul Nicholls’ charge is 9/4 to land the Grade 1 showdown, but faces stiff opposition from Cheltenham Gold Cup rivals Bristol De Mai (5/2) and Kemboy (11/4), plus Road To Respect (11/2).
That brilliant four-way fight is immediately followed by another cracker in the Aintree Hurdle.
The massively popular Buveur D’Air has been handed favouritism for this 2m 4f run. Nicky Henderson’s raider is odds-on at 4/5.
But the likes of Melon (11/2), the legendary Faugheen (7/1) and Supersundae (8/1) won’t go down without a fight.
Friday
We could be in for a ding-dong duel on Friday, with Topofthegame up against Lostintranslation in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.
Paul Nicholls could be on for another winner, with his seven-year-old handed 8/11 favouritism. Colin Tizzard’s rival is the only apparent realistic challenger at 3/1. Bags Groove (10/1) may have a say about that, though.
Then it’s on to the JLT Melling Chase where Min, Politologue, Hell’s Kitchen and God’s Own will meet.
Tom George’s God’s Own could have the edge here. Min disappointed at Cheltenham last time out, so it could be up to course and distance winner Politologue to lead the challenge.
Saturday
After all of that, it’s time for the big one at 5.15pm on Saturday.
Can Tiger Roll create history and repeat last year’s win? If he does, he’ll become the first horse to win successive Grand Nationals since Red Rum in 1974.
Gordon Elliott’s runner could also become the shortest-priced favourite to win the Aintree showpiece since Poethlyn in 1919.
Who can stop him? Plenty will be fancying Anibale Fly and Rathvinden. Both runners tick a lot of key boxes.
So too do Vintage Clouds and Lake View Lad, while Joe Farrell and Jury Duty have seen consistent support in recent days.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
