Aintree Grand National Runners and Racecard

Created history when becoming the first horse to win back-to-back renewals of the race since the great Red Rum in 1974. Like a fine wine, he seems to be getting better with age, and has seemingly been given the green light to go in pursuit of a third straight win in the race in 2020. He's still only be a ten-year-old, and although his injury setback is a far from ideal preparation, he will arrive with a favourite's chance - though if he's punished particularly heavily by the handicapper (had a mark of 159 last year), he could be vulnerable. 

Rapidly progressed as a novice chaser last season, culminating in victory in the Irish National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. He looks a Grade 1 chaser in the making, catching the eye when fifth on his first try at that level at Auteuil in May, and the way he's been campaigned so far this season suggests he's very much building up to something. Indeed, he's made two starts over inadequate trips so far - winning a race over hurdles which included Sizing John last time out - and he'll arrive at Aintree with every chance, though it's worth noting that seven-year-olds have a poor record in this. 

Building up the profile of a bona fide specialist over the National fences, becoming the first horse in history to win back-to-back renewals of the Becher Chase back in December. Sandwiched between those two wins was a fine effort to finish fourth in last year's renewal, and although he'll be on a higher mark this time around, he'll surely be on the premises once again.

Likeable mare, who ran a screamer when finishing second on her first try in the race as a 66/1 shot in the 2019 renewal. She looked a natural over the National fences, and having returned to winning ways in a listed mares' chase at Newbury in December, she can't be discounted here - though her mark will likely be higher and her price will be much shorter this time around.

Improving chaser who's progressing at a rate of knots, building on a fine effort to finish second in the Becher Chase on his first try over these fences in December by winning the Classic Chase at Warwick last time - a key indicator for this race (won by One For Arthur in 2017). There's plenty to like about him and everything points to a big run considering he's got stamina in abundance and is already proven over the unique fences. 

Enjoyed a spectacular 2019, winning two variations of the National in the form of the Midlands National and the Welsh National. The latter came off a career-high mark of 145 in December, and although he's still undoubtedly on the up as a staying chaser, he'll go up in the weights again and could need it to be particularly testing to be seen to best effect.

Has long been highly thought of, winning a Grade 1 contest as a novice hurdler ini 2016, and while he's perhaps never quite lived up to his big reputation, he's capable of a smart performance on his day, winning an attritional renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in November. He's struggled in two outings over these fences, however, and would have something to prove for all that he'd probably stay the trip with a clear round of jumping.

Quickly put himself into the picture for this race last year after a string of fine performances in staying chases, including when second behind Elegant Escape in the Welsh National. He was pulled-up in the Aintree spectacular, though he'll have a year's extra experience under his belt and isn't one to write off just yet. 

Likeable staying chaser, who's picked up several notable successes during his career, including back-to-back wins in the Many Clouds Chase here in 2017 and 2018. His chance to win this perhaps came and went in 2017, when being pulled-up in unfortunate circumstances, and although he'll likely give this his best shot - like he did when fourth in the Becher Chase earlier this season - he'll probably be weighted out of things for win purposes.

Marked himself out as a contender for this when winning a gruelling renewal of the four-miler at last year's Cheltenham Festival. He hasn't got his nose in front in three starts since, but you get the feeling that he's very much building up to something, considering he made his reappearance over hurdles back in November. He's since shaped well when seventh on his first try over the National fences in the Becher Chase, and his effort to finish fifth in the Classic Chase last time out was promising. He's on the right kind of mark, and it wouldn't be a surprise if we haven't seen the best of him just yet this term.

The winner of the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in 2019, he was well fancied for the Irish National last season before falling at the eighth fence. He's been shaping well in each of his starts so far this term, and is another who's giving the impression that he's still coming to the boil. Will arrive here on a good mark, and can't be discounted - for all that the National fences are a step into the unknown.

Top-class chaser who regularly runs an excellent race at the top level, finishing second and third in the last two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and fourth and fifth in the two most recent runnings of the National. Rarely runs a bad race for all that he perhaps doesn't win as much as he should, and he'l likely give this another good go under a big weight.

A regular in the staying chasing sphere, and he's produced a string of impressive efforts over the last few years, including when winning the Haydock Trial for this race in 2018 by a whopping 54 lengths. Probably needs heavy ground to be seen to best effect, but he's good enough to finish seventh in the 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he'd likely give this a good go for the Paul Nicholls team - who are devoid of a bona fide National hope. 

A talented chaser, who's very capable on his day. Produced an excellent effort to finish third under top weight in the Becher Chase, showing a real aptitude for the fences, and although he'd likely line up here of a mark that's edging towards 160, the presence of the likes of Tiger Roll could mean he's carrying around the 11-05 mark, and he's one to consider.

Classy operator on his day, whose standout moment came when winning the 2017 renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy. He's largely struggled since then, however, falling in the 2018 Gold Cup and not enjoying himself in the National a month later. He's still to prove he can handle these unique fences, but he'd have to have a shout if replicating his fine effort to win the Thyestes Handicap at Gowran in January.

Grade 1-winning hurdler in 2016/17, who's shown plenty of ability as a novice chaser in his last two campaigns, winning twice this term. He couldn't get the better of Battleoverdoyen in a Grade 1 contest over the Christmas period, but appeals as one who will stay the four-mile trip and is certainly one to consider, though he's pretty inexperienced as a chaser with just five starts over fences so far. 

Tremendous novice from last season, who's quickly progressed into a serious Cheltenham Gold Cup contender this term, winning two Grade 1 chases at Leopardstown - including the Irish Gold Cup. He's clearly a classy operator, and would have to be taken seriously if lining up, but will likely have other targets this year considering that he'd likely have a huge weight in this and the abysmal record of seven-year-olds in the National.

A Grade 2-winning novice last season, who's made just the one start so far this term, bolting up in the Troytown Handicap at Navan in November. He's worth a shot back in a top level race next time - probably in either the Gold Cup or the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham - and although he's clearly a classy operator, he'd have to prove both his stamina and that he handles these fences. 

A regular at Aintree, with three runs in the National, and his standout effort was when second to Tiger Roll in 2018. He was right up there once again last season when falling four out, but he's firmly into the veteran stages now as a 12-year-old and this could be too much of an ask for win purposes.

Lightly-raced staying chaser who announced himself on the scene when winning an attritional renewal of the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton in November. He was below par on his next start at Ascot, but will more than likely be guaranteed a run in this and it wouldn't be surprise should he prove popular in the betting - considering he's part-owned by a certain Sir Alex Ferguson...

The 2017 National hero, who's appearances on the track have been limited since due to injury. He roared back to form after two failed completions in this race last season, however, finishing a fine sixth with a similar performance to his win two years before, staying on late in the day from the back. He's since been ticking along nicely, finishing fifth in the Becher, and he'll likely line up off a similar mark to three years ago (was 1 lb higher than the 2017 National in the Becher).

Enjoyed an excellent season as a novice chaser last term, culminating in a fine effort to finish third behind Lostintranslation and Topofthegame at the Mildmay Novices' Chase at this meeting. Questions about his stamina were asked when he was collared late on in the Rehearsal Chase over three miles at Newcastle in November, but the key to him seems to be settling in his races, and he was an emphatic winner of the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase over the same trip at Wetherby over Christmas. His ambitious connections are also eyeing up the Gold Cup, and if he runs here he'll certainly be worth his place.

Spent the early stages as a classy two miler, but has steadily stepped up in trip with age, and arguably produced his best ever performance over three miles when winning the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot in November 2018. He's a fragile type, however, and we haven't seen him since - meaning you'd have to take both his fitness and stamina on trust.

Represents powerful connections, and put his hat into the ring for this when winning the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January. Stamina won't be an issue, though the form of his win in Yorkshire doesn't look the strongest and he has enough question marks about him bearing in mind that this will be his first try over the fences, and he's high enough in the weights. However, it's worth noting that his trainer Nicky Henderson has yet to win this...

Enjoyed a fine campaign under regular rider Jeremiah McGrath last term, culminating in victory in the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham, staying on well to defeat Vintage Clouds and Lake View Lad. That took his mark to stratospheric levels, and although he's largely been running with credit since - finishing an excellent fourth in the Ladbrokes Trophy - he's failed to convince in his two attempts at four miles and this would be a huge ask.

Represents the same connections as Total Recall, and although he's long given the impression as one potentially lurking on a good mark, he's yet to produce that Hollywood performance. A solid effort to finish sixth in the Thyestes Chase in January gives hope that he's got a big run in his locker, though these fences are a step into the unknown.

One of an absolute host of entries for Gigginstown House Stud, and will likely be quite a long way down the pecking order considering we haven't seen him since last May. That being said, he was an excellent second over these fences in last season's Topham Chase and will likely stay the trip.

Is one of an eye-watering 18 entries in this for the Gordon Elliott team, and is technically a National winner already, having won the American equivalent back in 2018. He was well-fancied for last year's after some careful placing, and unseated too far out to know exactly how well he was faring. He's run over hurdles the last twice, and it's likely that another serious tilt at this is on the cards.

Has been pretty lightly-raced of late, only making four starts in 2019, but exploded onto the scene for this when running out a rampant winner of the Grand Sefton Chase over these fences back in December. He's been hit with a 12 lb hike in the weights for that, though he likely needed that to just get in the race. However, this is a big jump up in class and he's untried over further than 3m 1f. 

Took his form to another level last season, signing off with victory in the Scottish National up at Ayr. Built on a pipe opener over hurdles at the same venue in November when getting up in the final strides the win the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle later that month, a win which will put him up in the weights sufficiently for this. Would relish the stamina test that this race brings, but would likely need more for win purposes.

Is progressing at the rate of knots for the Richard Hobson team, winning two valuable handicaps in the space of 10 days at Haydock over the festive period. He's been hit with another 10 lb rise for his latest success - he's now 32 lb higher than at the beginning of the season - and will likely need it to be testing to have a serious chance, but can't be ruled out. However, it's worth noting that there could be other days with him as a seven-year-old.

Likeable staying chaser, who's a regular at Cheltenham. This would be a totally different ask, and he'd face a nervous wait in terms of sneaking in the race, but he's got plenty of stamina and was in the process of running well when unseating his rider in last year's Scottish National. Not one to rule out.

Improving eight-year-old, who won the Kerry National at Listowel back in September. Built on that with an excellent effort to finish fourth in a highly-competitive handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas, and will arrive here as one on an upward trajectory - though he'll have to prove himself over these fences.

Lightly-raced type, who's run well at a number of Cheltenham Festivals, winning the 2016 renewal of the Pertemps Final. The fact he hasn't won since is something of a concern, however, and both this extreme trip and the unique Aintree fences will be a total step into the unknown.

Enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season last term, winning the Welsh National and establishing his position at the top table of staying chasers. He perhaps doesn't quite have the quality for a Cheltenham Gold Cup - finishing sixth in 2019 - and may find the going here to be a little quick, but he's put up three outstanding efforts under big weights in valuable handicaps so far this campaign, and he'll likely give this a good go off an eye-watering mark.

Signed off with an emphatic victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at the end of last season, a win which marked him out as a stayer to follow. We've only seen him once since, when third in a listed contest behind Santini in November, and with that winner boosting the form considerably since, he's one to consider if lining up.

Showed an aptitude for the National fences when winning the Topham Chase at this meeting last year. He was flying too high in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown over Christmas, and there's plenty of more attractive options at present considering he's untried at anything further than two and a half miles. 

A top-class chaser on his day, shown by two outstanding performances to win back-to-back renewals of the Betfair Chase in 2017 and 2018, but he's struggled to shake the view that he's at his best at Haydock. He's run well elsewhere, though, finishing a brilliant third in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, and there was no shame in finishing a battling second to Lostintranslation in this season's Betfair. The fact that he's winless in four starts at Aintree, has yet to try the National fences and would have to shoulder a huge weight mean that he's best watched if taking his chance, however.

Represents the three-time National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott, and he's been giving off the vibes of a horse who's being aimed at this for quite a while now; building on two victories in novice hurdle contests over the summer to strike in the 2019 Galway Plate off a nice mark. He's struggled in two starts since being handed an 11 lb rise, however, and has plenty to prove considering he's also untried at four miles.

Switched from the Nicky Henderson yard to Willie Mullins this term, and he ran well to finish a close fifth in a highly competitive handicap over three miles at Leopardstown in December. Appeals as the type who will relish a test of stamina, and could arrive here off an attractive mark.

Built on a promising campaign to finish fourth in last season's Irish National at Fairyhouse, and he's since followed that up with a solid third in the Galway Plate last July. His mark is looking high enough now as a consequence, and he'd need a lot more that what he showed on reappearance to trouble the principals. 

Smart performer on his day who's been cunningly campaigned so far this term, recording several creditable performances over timber of late. It wouldn't be surprised if he was being aimed at this race, though he looked stretched by the trip in last season's Irish National, and seven-year-olds have a terrible record in this.

Yet another Gigginstown entry. He's a capable performer on his day, though he failed to get home in last year's renewal, being pulled-up, and it will likely prove to be a similar story this time around.

Capable graded performer during his Gigginstown days, and is now in the care of Gary Moore. He ran with plenty of credit to finish fourth in his first start for the yard in the Denman Chase at Newbury, and it would be no surprise to see him pitch up here next. He's a big price, but can't be discounted for his shrewd new yard.

Looked a novice to follow a couple of seasons ago, and after losing his way slightly following an injury, he bounced back to form when winning the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow in December. He's since produced a creditable effort to finish second in a competitive Ascot handicap, and he's one to keep an eye on.

Irish raider who's a regular in graded company, winning a Grade 2 chase at Fairyhouse in April 2019. He'd likely give this a good go, though he'd more than likely find this stretching his stamina.

Yet another option for both Gigginstown and Gordon Elliott. He was a Grade 1-winning novice in 2017/18 for connections, and returned from a 758-day break with a run over hurdles at Gowran in January. He's likely to be handed a pretty fair mark and is one to consider, though stamina would certainly be a worry.

Undoubtedly capable over the National fences, winning the 2018 Grand Sefton, but he simply doesn't have stamina for this trip and has been pulled-up in each of the last two renewals. His owner is always one to watch with the National in mind, but he will most likely just be making up the numbers. 

A warrior over these fences, winning the 2016 Becher and having eight starts overall. He's an absolute banker to get round considering he's yet to fail to complete the course, though his stamina just doesn't quite last the extreme trip, and this admirable veteran will likely be allowed to finish in his own time if squeezing in at the weights.

Another from the Gigginstown powerhouse, and although she was a dual Grade 1-winning novice in 2017/18, she's largely struggled since, and there has to be doubts about her stamina here.

Prolific campaigner, who's won 16 of his 40 career starts, with 9 of those successes coming over fences. He was going well when falling at three out in last year's Topham Chase, and has been selectively campaigned this winter after winning five on the bounce during the warmer months. He's likely been laid out for this, but would need nice ground and he has to prove himself over this extreme trip.

A top-class chaser on his day, shown by his outstanding efforts to finish second and third in the Ryanair Chase in 2019 and 2017, respectively. He tends to save his best form for Cheltenham, however, and although he will likely give this his best shot, he seems stretched by three miles - something shown by his effort to finish third in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in November, when travelling noticeably well three out before seemingly running out of petrol.

Likeable novice, who has every chance of sneaking in at the bottom of the weights here courtesy of a win at Leicester in January. He was a fortunate winner that day, however, and he's got plenty of question marks over his head at present - not least the feeling that this is coming too soon as a seven-year-old, and after just five starts over fences at the time of writing.

Enjoyed an excellent novice campaign in 2017/18, winning the Festival Plate at Cheltenham and a Grade 1 contest at Punchestown to boot. He's been a regular at the top level since, and though he's been rather put in his place at that lofty level, he's seemingly being campaigned over hurdles with a tilt at this in mind, and he could find himself on a good mark.

Arrived from France with plenty of promise, winning a competitive-looking handicap in really good style at Ascot in December 2018. He's largely struggled over fences since, including when trailing home in 18th place in this last year, and he will likely find this too much of a test of stamina once again.

Enjoyed an excellent campaign as a novice chaser last season, winning three of his five starts, including a competitive handicap over three miles and a furlong at this meeting last year. That's taken his mark into the mid-150s, and although he's yet to really show his form in two starts this term, this could well be the plan - though it's worth noting he's untried at extreme distances.

Has long shaped as a staying chaser to follow, and although he's produced a string of creditable efforts in valuable handicaps, he doesn't win anywhere near as much as he should do for one with his ability. He did pick up a valuable win in the Peter Marsh at Haydock in January, but his record over these fences has to be a concern; falling at the first in the 2019 National and hating every second of the Becher Chase that December, being pulled up. 

Switched to the Mullins yard from France last year, and has shown plenty of ability for the yard so far, including when a fine second in the Thyestes Handicap at Gowran in January. He's unproven both over these fences and at such an extreme distance, but would likely arrive here off a lowly weight.

Found himself thrust into the spotlight over Christmas when winning a competitive handicap alongside an iconic Jerry Hannon call, though he likely needed to win the Thyestes Handicap in order to guarantee himself a run last time, and will likely struggle to make the cut this year. He's still only seven, though, and there will undoubtedly be other days.

Hasn't been seen on the track for over a year now, but was shaping into a potential Aintree contender having won the 2018 Kim Muir. His run in the Becher Chase that December didn't tell us one way or the other if he was cut out for these fences, but he's proven he's effective over four miles having finished second in the 2017 National Hunt Chase, and would likely be lurking on a workable mark.

Has looked an improved model so far this year, building on an emphatic win in the Bobby Renton on reappearance at Wetherby in October by taking apart a competitive staying handicap at Haydock on Betfair Chase day. He's been hiked up by 10 lb in the weights as a consequence, and found life tough off his revised mark at Ascot last time, meaning others make more appeal for this, 

Rapidly made up into one to watch for the 2019 National, having been bought by three-time winning owner Trevor Hemmings at the beginning of the campaign, before picking up impressive wins in the Rehearsal Chase and the Rowland Meyrick. Followed those up with a fine third in the Ultima, and although he was pulled-up in this last year, he raced out wide and is worth another chance. This will be the aim, and he'll arrive here fit. 

Reliable staying chaser, who finished eighth in this in 2017 and one place better last year. He's firmly in the veteran stage now as a 12-year-old, but would be a reliable each-way outsider considering he's a proven performer around here.

The 2018 Irish National winner, who prevailed in particularly testing conditions. Stamina is clearly his forte, though he was held when falling in this last year and would likely need it to be bottomless to have a serious chance of hitting the frame.

Has long been touted for this race, ever since winning the Grand Sefton Chase in 2016. He's posted a couple of solid efforts over these fences since, including when fifth in the 2017 Topham Chase, but stamina would be a serious concern considering he's untried over further than three and a quarter miles.

A Grade 1-winning novice from last season, defeating Real Steel in good style to score over two and a half miles at Fairyhouse in April. He failed to back that up when disappointing behind Chacun Pour Soi at Punchestown a month later, and we haven't seen him since. There's every chance that there's more to come from him this season, but this would be a huge ask on reappearance, and he has to be firmly down his yard's pecking order. 

A regular at the top level, whose stand out performance remains his effort to finish second in the 2017 King George VI Chase. Doesn't appeal as one who'd appreciate the marathon trip, and struggled over these fences when 12th in the Topham last season.

French import who's shown plenty of promise at times for his yard, winning in good style at Ludlow in January, though the fact he followed that up with a poor run next time is a concern. He'd likely get in this, though you'd have to be concerned about his chasing experience after just four starts over fences and there will likely be other days with this seven-year-old.

Promising novice chaser last term, who showed plenty of stamina during his six outings. Ran the Cheltenham Gold Cup-bound Santini very close on reappearance at Sandown last month, and although it's unclear just how strong that form will prove to be, this type of test will suit him down to the ground and he's on an attractive mark.

Started life at the Henry Oliver yard with a bang, winning on his first start for his new trainer at Ludlow in February 2019, before following that up with a fine effort to finish second in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. He went up in the weights as a consequence, but he'd be still struggling to get in this off 141 as it stands, and struggled in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last time out.

Solid staying chaser, finishing second in last year's Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham, though he didn't enjoy himself in last year's Topham Chase and would have plenty to prove here.

Likes it at Aintree, winning the Grade 1 novice at this meeting in 2017 over two and a half miles. He's shaped pretty well in all three of his attempts over these fences to date, though all of those came over two and a half miles and this extreme distance would surely be too much of an ask.

Experienced chaser for his age who enjoyed a productive 2019, winning three times. Reportedly being trained with this in mind, and although he represents a National-winning trainer in Paul Nicholls, others make more appeal considering we haven't seen him since last June, and he's untried over further than two and a half miles.

Well and truly into the veteran stages now, and represents new connections having been bought just before this race from Gigginstown last year. He was a top-class chaser in his pomp, but that was a long time ago, and although he'll likely get round a safe return is about the best his connections can hope for.

A regular in the staying chasing division. He's been found in veteran's events of late, and has plenty to prove here considering he's been below form on each of his three starts so far this term.