Grand National 2017 Tips - Betting Preview and Odds

Published on: 07/04/2017

Grand National 2017 Tips - Betting Preview and Odds

April 08, 2017 17:15pm - Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

Horse Racing

One of the most competitive fields ever assembled will gather behind the tape at Aintree for National Hunt`s marathon steeplechase on Saturday afternoon, making it harder than ever for punters to pick a winner.

In recent years, the Grand National has become increasingly unpredictable with the last five winners all coming in at 25/1 or higher. Amongst those, 2013 champ Auroras Encore triumphed at a massive 66/1 and as recently as 2009, we saw a 100/1 winner in Mon Mome.

So if you are thinking of backing the favourite, you might want to think again, as the last market-leading winner was Don`t Push It way back in 2010. In fact, with the field is so evenly-matched this year, that there is unlikely to be one clear favourite come race day.

With so many in with a chance, we are focusing are at horses that have the training, experience and connections to prevail in racing`s toughest challenge.

Last year`s Scottish National winner Vicente may have had a quiet winter in mostly wet conditions but will be much better suited to the going this weekend. Owner Trevor Hemmings has had more success here than most in recent times having seen Many Clouds, Ballabriggs and Hedgehunter all claim the top prize, while trainer Paul Nicholls guided Neptune Collonges to victory in 2012.

The Last Samuri has turned a few heads thanks to his strong performances on this course which included a second place in last year`s race. As a result, he won`t start at a big price but at 16/1 or thereabouts, he still looks good value.

Another one who enjoys this course is Highland Lodge, who has previously finished first and second in the Becher Chase. Whats more, he has been held back from the racing scene since December in preparation for this event. He has a talented team behind him and looks great value at a current price of 25/1.

Last but not least is Irish-trained horse Ucello Conti who can also be backed at around 25/1. He has a good record here and has also been training in earnest for this race. Now under the guidance of Gordon Elliott, he can be expected to improve significantly on last year`s six places when some silly mistakes cost him a potential place. His performances so far this term has suggested that this is the case.

Grand National Betting tips

Last Samuri - 14/1 to win with Bet365

Vicente - 25/1 each-way with Bet365

Highland Lodge - 25/1 each-way with Bet365

Ucello Conti - 20/1 each-way with Ladbrokes

(All prices correct at time of writing)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 07/04/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/04/2017 05:08:59) but are subject to change.