Grand National Day preview, best bets and analysis
Grand National Day brings a full card of high-stakes jump racing and plenty of betting interest across the country. Please note: betting is for 18+ only — if you choose to bet, do so responsibly and within your limits.
Aintree form guide and race-by-race commentary
Day Two was an each-way and places affair, but Inthepocket provided some good win money for Best of Bet’s viewers. Now it’s the big day. Grand National Day. Where the whole nation will have a flutter on 40 horses, jumping 30 fences in 10 minutes.
Just to note, I’ve written a special preview of my Grand National picks, which you can find by clicking on the link here.
NAP: DASHEL DRASHER – Liverpool Hurdle – 8/1
This race looks as competitive as the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Which inclines me to go with Dashel Drasher. A fantastic run for second, he hasn’t finished outside the top two since November 2021, only being pulled up once. The ground won’t be a problem, and he is the fourth highest-rated horse. He has plenty of form in the book to overturn his anguish at Cheltenham last time out. His Aintree record is a first and second, and can add another one or two to his record on Saturday.
E/W BET: Monmiral – Liverpool Hurdle – 16/1
Monmiral hasn’t been the best over fences, and this feel like the right decision from Paul Nicholls. But don’t forget who he’s come up behind. Jonbon on his debut, The Real Whacker on New Year’s Day and Gerri Colombe in the Scilly Isles’. If you want to look for Grade One form, you’ve found it with Monmrial. And don’t forget, he is a Grade One winner over hurdles, at Aintree. This is over much further and in better company. But he hasn’t come to this race for nothing. Plus, Harry Cobden has had a brilliant week in the big races.
Handicap Best: West Balboa – Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle – 7/1
West Balboa missed Cheltenham, which was a surprise for some. She comes here after narrowly winning the Lanzarote at Kempton. She goes well on soft ground, and the step up in trip won’t bother her. The Skelton’s have been unlucky this week, and whilst they’ll want Le Milos to win the big one at 5:15, she should provide a nice appetiser in the second race.
Another I like is Erne River. He disappointed at Haydock, but has had a layoff and should get his ground. He’s quite high in the handicap, and has never won off a mark higher than 136. That being said, he’s always been placed. A nice couple of seconds to his name off a higher mark, makes for a good each-way appeal.
Glimpse of Gala is way down the prices after blowing out at the Cheltenham Festival, but Bradley Roberts is back on her and claiming 7lbs. Her last appearance at Aintree resulted in a narrow second off a mark of 123, with Roberts claiming eight. Roberts’ claim, off a mark of 136, puts her down to 129, which she can more than manage. Ground is also perfect for her.
All prices are William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National
Selections:
13:45 – Calico (W/O Jonbon)
14:25 – WEST BALBOA (Erne River & Glimpse of Gala e/w)
15:00 – Hermes Allen (Irish Point e/w)
15:35 – DASHEL DRASHER (NAP) (MONMIRAL E/W)
16:15 – Shakem Up’Arry (Kinondo Kwetu & Castle Robin e/w)
17:15 – THE GRAND NATIONAL
18:20 – Pour Les Filles (Go To War e/w)
The very best of luck!
Why Dashel Drasher is the NAP selection today
Dashel Drasher combines consistent form and course experience, which are valuable over the Liverpool Hurdle trip. His recent runs show he handles different ground and can travel well when the pace suits.
Aintree track conditions and what to expect
Aintree’s testing ground and long home straight reward stamina and a patient ride. Horses with proven form on soft ground or with strong staying profiles are often favoured in the big staying hurdles.
Each-way strategy for Monmiral and outsiders
Monmiral offers each-way appeal due to Grade One form over hurdles and a step back in trip that could suit his cruising speed. Each-way stakes should reflect the shorter odds and large field sizes to manage variance responsibly.
Reading jockey bookings and trainer patterns
Jockey bookings often reveal confidence or a stable plan; check recent pairings and how trainers use claims. A seven-pound claim or a top jockey in-form can materially affect each-way prospects.
Handicap angles: West Balboa and nearby claims
West Balboa’s form on soft and a recent win at Kempton make her a logical handicap pick, especially when weight claims improve her effective mark. Look for consistency and suitability to trip when assessing handicap chances.
Market interpretation and value spotting
Spot value by comparing official ratings to current prices and recent form lines; favour horses showing an upward trend or a clear drop in class. Avoid backing on short-priced market moves driven purely by publicity.
Race planner: selections for each live race today
The selection sheet provided earlier covers the key races and suggested each-way pairs for Aintree’s competitive card. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on late non-runners and market shifts.
Practical approach to staking and loss control
Decide stakes before the card starts and use small, consistent stakes for each-way bets in big fields. Never chase losses; if a day turns against you, step away and reassess rather than increasing stakes.
How to use bookmaker comparisons and offers safely
Compare odds and promotion terms across bookmakers to maximise value, but read the T&Cs for each offer carefully. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.
Affiliate links and transparency
Where we list offers, affiliate links may be used to support independent coverage and content. Any linked offers should be considered informational and not a recommendation to stake beyond your means.
Final checklist before placing a bet at Aintree
Confirm the going, check last-minute non-runners, monitor any late rain and re-evaluate jockey/trainer changes before committing to a wager. Keep bets proportionate and remember that form can change rapidly on big festival days.
BestOfBets is an information resource for punters aged 18+ and does not promote excessive or irresponsible gambling. If gambling is causing harm, seek support through GamCare or other UK helplines.
Frequently asked questions about Grand National Day betting
Q: Am I eligible to use the tips on this page?
A: Tips are for users aged 18+ only. They are informational and should not be treated as guaranteed outcomes.
Q: How should I size each-way stakes for big-field races?
A: Use smaller, consistent each-way stakes in large fields and avoid increasing stakes after losses. Prioritise bankroll management over chasing results.
Q: Do jockey claims make a big difference in handicaps?
A: Yes, jockey claims can reduce a horse’s effective weight and influence finishing chances, especially in juvenile and novice events.
Q: Where can I compare bookmaker odds and offers?
A: Compare odds across licensed UK bookmakers using reputable comparison tools and read offer terms before opting in to any promotion.
Q: Is betting on festival days riskier than other days?
A: Festival days often have larger fields and more market volatility, so risk can be higher; stick to pre-planned stakes and avoid emotional decisions.
Q: What should I do if gambling becomes a problem?
A: If you have concerns, contact UK support services such as GamCare and consider self-exclusion tools offered by licensed bookmakers.
Q: Do you accept affiliate partnerships on this site?
A: We may list offers that include affiliate links; these help fund editorial content but should not influence your betting decisions.
Q: Can I rely on morning prices for value?
A: Morning prices can show value but monitor moves closer to race time and adjust where credible information warrants a change.
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