The 2025 Grand National looks set to be played out in front of a stunning backdrop, with the Aintree course having seldom looked in better condition and nearly cloudless skies forecast for the big day.
The racecourse’s ground staff have been heavily watering the track both in the run up to the meeting and overnight during the festival so far, but there is little doubt that the going will be no worse than good to soft come post time at 4.00pm.
There should hopefully, therefore, beplenty of finishers and a repeat of last year’s thrilling climax looks to be on the cards.
Last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, is back for more and whilst his owner JP McManus could be set for a repeat victory we think it will come courtesy of one of his other runners – PERVCEVAL LEGALLOIS.
There are plenty of reasons to like the chances of this horse, not least the fact that he
represents the Gold Cup winning jockey / trainer combination.
Mark Walsh is one of the best jockeys around when it comes to presenting a horse at a fence, whilst Gavin Cromwell is arguably the game’s most talented trainer aside from Willie Mullins.
The horse has a great profile too, given his extensive experience in valuable, big field handicaps.
The way the race is likely to be run, and its hustle and bustle, should suit him perfectly and if he stays the trip – which we think he will – he must have a massive chance.
The main dangers may all come from across the Irish Sea.
Next on our list is the more lightly raced THREE CARD BRAG. Gordon Elliott endured a
difficult Cheltenham and things haven’t gone much better for him here over the first three
days. However, he saved the best for last at Prestbury Park courtesy of Wodooh and we
think history might repeat itself here.
THREE CARD BRAG was just behind top novices Better Days Ahead and Stella Story at
Navan last time out, but gets in here with just 10st 5lbs on his back.
His dam is out of Strong Gale, who loved this better ground and although he is a novice chaser, so was Noble Yeats when he turned up here in 2022.
He has gained plenty of experience over fences, including in the big handicap chase at Leopardstown over Christmas that was won by Perceval Legallois.
Elliott’s Duffle Coat is an interesting outsider after running well in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, where he was brought down three out, but it is different Irish runner – SENIOR CHIEF – who appeals more as the one to fill the frame.
He too is trained by one of the best target trainers in the business – Henry de Bromhead – and if he can reproduce his winning effort at Cheltenham in October (on good ground) he would have a big chance here.
He has always looked like a thorough stayer and could be ahead of the handicapper if back to his best after a break.
One of our old favourites, HEWICK, can make it a clean sweep for Ireland and it will be interesting to see if any bookies are offering odds on a 1-2-3-4 for Irish runners, as the likes of the Willie Mullins trio of Grangeclare West, Nick Rockett and Minella Cocooner are all very much respected.
In terms of HEWICK, a win here would give Shark Hanlon’s popular 10-year-old incredible CV, that already features wins in the American Grand National and the King George. He loves the sun on his back and decent ground, and his nimble jumping style should suit these fences.
Pick of the home raiders may prove to be one at a big price – STAY AWAY FAY who is currently available at 80/1 with 6 places at Bet365.
It is fair to say this horse has really lost his way recently, but there were definite signs of a revival at Cheltenham last month, where he ran well for a long way in the big handicap chase on day one.
He was being talked about as a Gold Cup horse early in his career, when his successes
included a victory in the 2023 Albert Bartlett.
He will clearly stay the trip and has a touch of class that this unique test might just draw back out of him.
Beauport, Bravemansgame and Chantry House are others to consider at big prices.
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