The Aintree Grand National 2020

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. 

Building up the profile of a bona fide specialist over the Grand 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

A class act, whose career successes have included the 2016 Welsh Grand National and the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He will have to shoulder a huge weight if taking his chance, but he's shown he's more than capable of doing that, and was an excellent winner of the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase over conventional fences here in December.

The reigning 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, who's been off the track for two years with injury. He fell on return over hurdles at Punchestown in December, but that was an encouraging reappearance, as he was going well when departing. There's reasons to think he could cope with the mammoth trip, and he'd be one to take very seriously if the handicapper decides to give this multiple Grade 1 winner a chance at the weights.

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.

Enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season last term, winning the Welsh Grand 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.

Enjoyed a spectacular 2019, winning two variations of the Grand 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.

The 2017 Grand 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).

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. 

Improving staying chaser, who represents an up-and-coming yard. Built on some promising performances to win a regional variation of this race at Catterick in January, showing plenty of stamina to win over just shy of four miles. He'd probably need to win again to get in this (currently on a mark of 138), but he's certainly one to keep an eye on.

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.

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 last month - he'll probably be weighted out of things for win purposes.

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 last time. His ambitious connections are also eyeing up the Gold Cup, and if he runs here he'll certainly be worth his place.

Talented but inconsistent sort, who made just three starts in the whole of 2018. Is a 'Grand National' winner in name, having won an American variation of this race last year, but that came in fortunate circumstances and was over hurdles over fences. He's yet to emulate his hurdling form over the bigger obstacles, and there's got to be questions about both his stamina over this trip (untried at further than two and a half miles), and his proficiency over these fences.

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. Indeed, his record reads just 2 from 21 over fences, and he's failed to convince that he's suited over these fences in two tries so far; falling at the first in the 2019 National and hating every second of the Becher Chase that December, being pulled up. 

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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.

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 Grand 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 off a big weight.

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

A late bloomer as a chaser, who was cunningly campaigned last season and rewarded connections with a fine effort to finish third in last year's renewal. This is likely the target once again, with just one start over hurdles so far this term, and although he's lightly raced for his age he's in the veteran stages of his career now as a 12-year-old.

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.

Has two good runs over these fences under his belt, hitting a low of 2/1-on on the exchanges when bounding clear from four out in the 2017 renewal, before seemingly running out of puff. He was a deeply impressive winner of the Becher Chase that December, but he was brought down in the 2018 Grand National, before largely disappointing last term and missing the big one through injury. He's since changed hands and trainers twice, and would surely need a run before lining up here.

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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. 

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Was strongly fancied to end Richard Johnson's incredibly long wait for a win in this race last season after a string of impressive performances in staying chases, but failed to deliver, falling midway round. He's been shaping well this season, and would line up on a similar mark if taking his chance, but he'd have plenty to prove if lining up.

Represents the three-time Grand 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 struggled off an 11 lb higher mark in the Ladbrokes Trophy last time, but that came after both an absence and wind surgery, and he looks worth another chance in a valuable handicap - though he's untried at four miles.

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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.

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Took his form to another level last season, signing off with victory in the Scottish Grand 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.

A regular in good-quality staying handicaps, producing a string of strong efforts last term, including when second in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby and the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle. Filled the same spot in the latter last time out, and takes his chance off a competitive mark - though it's worth noting that his 10-race losing streak now stretches back to February 2018.

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Represents the same yard as the 2017 winner One For Arthur, and seemed likely to take the same path to Aintree as his stablemate when entered for the Classic Chase at Warwick. He instead went to Kelso a day later, a decision which proved to be fruitful, and he's a chaser who's on an upward curve. Stamina isn't an issue and he's an interesting outsider.

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.

One of the most popular horses in training, who took his fine partnership with Bryony Frost to a new level when winning the 2019 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The fact that there's stamina doubts around his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials means that you've got to be doubtful he'd stay here, and it would be a surprise if he was given an entry - particularly when you consider he had to bear an official mark of 169 here in the Old Roan in October.

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.

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Built on a promising campaign to finish fourth in last season's Irish Grand 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. 

Yet to make an appearance so far this term, but enjoyed an excellent campaign last season, finishing second behind La Bague Au Roi in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Festival in February 2019. This would be a huge ask on reappearance, and he's yet to go further than three miles, but there's still time between now and April to prove his credentials, and the handicapper's assessment may well prove crucial. 

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 although we're yet to see how well that form has worked out, he's one to consider if lining up.

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 Grand 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. 

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Quickly built up the profile of a novice chaser to watch with a string of good performances, before finishing third in a gruelling renewal of the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He was beaten a long way that day, but looks worthy of another chance of proving himself at this trip, and he ran well to finish third over three miles at Ascot last time.

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Experienced chaser for his age who enjoyed a productive 2019, winning three times. Reportedly being trained with the Grand National in mind, and although he represents a Grand 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.

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.

Enjoyed an excellent campaign as a novice last term, winning three times and signing off with an excellent effort to finish fourth in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. We haven't seen him since a lacklustre reappearance run, and his next run will tell us more, but he could still be on a workable mark and is one to keep an eye on.

Likeable mare, who's won three of her five starts to date over fences. Was in the process of running well when falling in the Charlie Hall Chase on reappearance at Wethery in November, and although she's untried over further than three miles, she's an improving staying chaser who's lurking on a good mark - one which would get her a run in this.

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, 

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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.

Only managed one win over fences so far, though has posted some creditable efforts at lofty levels, including when second in last season's National Hunt Chase. Stamina is clearly his game, and it looks as though he's being campaigned with this in mind, considering he was last seen running over hurdles in December. He's one to keep an eye on, though seven-year-olds have a very poor record in this. 

Rapidly made up into one to watch for the 2019 Grand 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. 

Burst onto the scene at a rate of knots last term, and built on two solid wins by signing off with a fine effort to finish third in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. He's got some work to do if he's going to get in this, though his owner has a fine record in the Grand National and he isn't one to write off just yet, considering he's still only an eight-year-old.

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.

Classy operator, who was good enough to finish second in the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but has gone backwards since, including when pulled-up in this race last year. His mark is tumbling, but may struggle to guarantee a run in this without picking up a win in the next four weeks.

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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.

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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.

Enjoyed an excellent season as a novice last term, winning a Grade 2 contest at Ascot before running with credit at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. He's struggled to kick on so far this term, though he appeals as one who'd appreciate this test of stamina, and he could find himself on a good mark come April if able to rediscover his best form. 

Was at one point destined for the very top as a chaser, winning the 2017 JLT Novices' Chase (now known as the Marsh) at the Cheltenham Festival. However, he's been staggeringly inconsistent since, managing just one win in 14 subsequent outings. There's no doubting his talent, but he can't be trusted at the best of times and the marathon distance is a step into the unknown. 

Highly capable staying chaser on his day, who finished a fine fifth in the 2018 Grand National under Bryony Frost. He's struggled since, however, and his best days are well and truly behind him as a 13-year-old. 

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