The biggest race of the season is just over a week away, and as we count down to the Aintree Grand National, it’s time to look at the three main contenders for the race. This is just personal opinion as of course there will be a whole host of runners with a good chance. Below, we take a look at Adrian Wall’s shortlist and good luck if you follow.
He is certainly a quirky individual but Willie Mullins’ Mr Incredible possesses a lot of talent and he should stay this far. Second in the Classic Chase at Warwick last season, he finished third in the Kim Muir and unseated Brian Hayes when going well in this race last year. Second in the Midlands National when last seen, his only run of the season, he should be raring to go.
Once favourite for this race in the antepost betting markets, John McConnell’s Mahler Mission is now too big a price not to include in the shortlist. A faller in the National Hunt Chase last season when seemingly in control of the race, he had the perfect prep for this when second to Datsalrightgino in the Newbury Gold Cup. He stays all day and will love this test.
Trainer Gordon Elliott has won the Grand National three times, famously with Silver Birch and Tiger Roll winning two on the bounce. He has a strong team again this year and Chemical Energy ticks a lot of boxes. Second to Gaillard Du Mesnil in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last season, he has only had one run this season when sixth in the Kerry National. He will run off a nice weight and should stay.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.