Five Horses in Great Shape for 2018 Grand National
The Aintree Grand National (14th April) is always something to look forward to, regardless if you are a serious punter or casual bettor. While some would say picking a winner is a lottery – as there are 40 runners and some race-ending fences to navigate – it is nevertheless a decent opportunity to make some cash. In the last ten years only once has the winner been at a price less than 10/1 – 2008’s Comply or Die (7/1). In that span there has been a 100/1 winner (Mon Mome, 2009) and 66/1 winner (Auroras Encore, 2013. Not bad for one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
Below are five horses who look like they are gearing up nicely for the 2018 Grand National. It will list a couple of the favourites, as well as some who could deliver a value win. The betting picture is changing fast through, so keep tabs on the market movers and latest promotions by checking out Grand National free bets & betting tips by Freebets.uk.
Total Recall 12/1
The 9-year-old could be trainer Willie Mullins’ best chance of winning a Grand National since he won with Hedgehunter in 2005. He has looked imperious since the start of the current national hunt season, especially when winning the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase in December. A worthy ante-post favourite. Ruby Walsh will likely be in the saddle too, which could count for a lot.
Cause of Causes 20/1
A horse that could have made history by the time you read this. Cause of Causes is set to go for his fourth win at the Cheltenham Festival (13th-16th March), something only a handful of horses have ever achieved. He is the perfect sort to tackle the trials of Aintree though, as evidenced in his 2nd place finish in the Grand National 2017. This this might be his second bite at history making in a month.
Definitly Red 20/1
When backing a horse for the Grand National, you should always check that it has succeeded at Aintree, or a similarly tough course, before. Definitly Red pulled up in the Grand National last year, but he had a fine win at Aintree a few weeks ago by seven lengths over Cloudy Dream. A definite contender.
Regal Encore 33/1
Beaten into 3rd place by Total Recall in the Ladbrokes Trophy and 8th in last year’s Grand National, Regal Encore still has a lot to give. A solid win at Ascot in January – over a couple of likely rivals in the Grand National like Vieux Lion Rouge – points to some good form at the right time. A solid each way bet, especially if you consider a lot of bookmakers pay extra places in the National.
Buywise 50/1
At 11-years-old, this will probably be Buywise’s last serious chance in the Grand National. He is a horse who can pull a big win out of the bag when least expected, such as the 32 Red Veterans’ Chase in January. He also has experience in the National before, coming 12th in 2016. While that doesn’t sound like an exciting marker, it proves that Evan Williams’ horse can handle the distance of over four miles and those 30 tough jumps. Another excellent each way shoult – but on his day he could deliver even better than that.
