The 2023 Grand National is just around the corner and as such now is the best time to check out the very latest Grand National news as well as the latest runners and riders ahead of the famous steeplechase.
Grand National 2023 Betting Tips for the Big Race
The 2023 Randox Grand National is almost upon us and we take a look at some of the potential contenders ahead of the world-famous steeplechase. Will we see one of the favourites finish first past the post or will an outsider claim the prize as many have done in the past?
The world’s most famous horse race gets underway at 5.15pm on Saturday 15th April and as is so often the case, the likelihood of an upset is ever-present in Aintree’s feature race. Clearly the favourites such as Corach Rambler, Noble Yeats and Delta Work have been receiving the most attention, however it is certainly worth considering some outsiders in this testing marathon, especially as an each-way option.
Outsiders worthy of attention
Many outsiders have won the Grand National in the past, most notably Foinavon who took advantage of a pile-up and romped home at odds of 100/1 in 1967. The chance of a big-priced winner is every present in this contest and here we take a look at three horses which we believe could cause a shock on Saturday afternoon.
Sam Brown – 80/1
Sam Brown connections decided to avoid the Grand National in 2022 but a prep run at Uttoxeter over hurdles in March hinted at a possible tilt at the big one at Aintree. Many punters may be put off by this horse’s age – at 11 years old he is relatively old compared to the rest of the field – but he has been lightly raced throughout his career and has a handful of pieces of high class form that help make him a possible contender at hefty odds.
Fortescue – 80/1
At first glance, it would seem that this horse went into the 2022 Grand National with better form than this year’s renewal, however on the flip side he has been burdened with 3lb less this time around and he has proven his ability to handle the big Aintree obstacles given that he finished a decent fourth in the Becher Chase on quicker-than-ideal ground. On that occasion he couldn’t get close to the leaders but he stayed on very well in the latter stages and hinted that he would prefer the lengthier trip.
Coko Beach – 33/1
Coko Beach came in a disappointing eighth in the 2022 Grand National but while he did shape like a non-stayer, the fact that he lost a left-hind shoe could be considered a reasonable excuse on that occasion. The 8-year-old took a few hefty scalps at Punchestown in the Grand National trial handicap two months ago and he is proven in high-class, big field staying handicap chase contests.
Best of the Favourites
While the Grand National is a contest which can – and often does – produce a few surprises, it would be unwise to look past some of the favourites in this gruelling marathon.
Corach Rambler – 7/1
This horse heads into the Grand National with some excellent form after winning the last two Ultima Handicap Chases at the Cheltenham Festival. He has the perfect age profile for this contest at 9 years of age and thus far has been lightly raced.
Noble Yeats – 9/1
As a 7-year-old, 80-years of history was against Noble Yeats when he romped home to victory at odds of 50/1 twelve months ago under the guidance of Sam Waley-Cohen. Should he repeat that success in 2023 it would be a massive achievement given that he has been burdened with more weight. Nevertheless, he now has fond memories of the Aintree fences and he is certain to be worthy contender this time around.
Delta Work – 8/1
This two-time Cheltenham Cross Country winner represents the formidable Gigginstown/Gordon Elliott combo which won this race twice with the impressive Tiger Roll. He carried a hefty weight over the Aintree obstacles in his first effort there and still managed to finish a decent 3rd. This must surely be considered one of the strongest contenders for this year’s Grand National.
Female Jockeys to Watch Out For
Rachael Blackmore – as the only female jockey in the 2023 Grand National – will be flying the flag for the fairer sex on Saturday afternoon. The Tipperary native etched her name into the record books when she became the first female jockey to win the famous steeplechase when she romped home to victory on Minella Times in 2021. This time around she will be aboard Henry De Bromhead inmate Ain’t That A Shame and at odds of 20/1, she certainly represents a decent each-way bet to repeat her success of two years ago.
Will a Grey win the 2023 Grand National?
Of the forty runners in this year’s Grand National, only four are grey including the highly fancied Gaillard Du Mesnil at odds of 14/1, Vanillier 16/1, Cook Beach 33/1 and Evas Oskar 40/1. Only three grey horses have won the Grand National in the entire history of the contest, however Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mesnil is one that stands out from the crowd. He has certainly proven his credentials in past outings and has never before been outside the front three in his nine outings over the fences.
Grand-National.uk Author Tips
Andy – Vanillier 16/1, Hill Sixteen 80/1
Glen – Delta Work 9/1, The Big Dog 14/1
