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With winners since 2009 at 100-1 and 66- 1, the Grand National remains the most gloriously unpredictable race of them all. Although some of the Aintree fences have been streamlined to make the event safer, the National remains a supreme test for horse and jockey and the prices of four of the last six winners suggest punters are nowhere nearer to cracking its secrets. No wonder the housewife or office worker still has as much chance of picking the winner as the most experienced of punters.
the Daily Mail’s guide to the 40 participants — which can be found on the opposite page, beneath the Coffee Break pullout — will give you an idea of what’s expected from each of the horses for a race which always throws up a great story.
Whether it was Red Rum winning three Nationals in the Seventies, Bob Champion beating cancer to win the 1981 race on Aldaniti, or the infamous false starts, the world’s most loved horse race rarely fails to produce an iconic moment.
tony McCoy winning this year on Shutthefrontdoor in his final National ride would be the latest. those who pick Shutthefrontdoor in the sweepstake will be siding with a horse that’s won the irish version of the event and has been targeted at the English version all year.
Jonjo O’Neill and McCoy teamed up to land the National five years ago with Don’t Push it and, such is the support for the 20- time champion- elect jockey, Shutthefrontdoor could become one of the race’s best backed horses ever.
Of course, luck has a huge part to play and champion trainer Paul Nicholls will be hopeful one of his quartet is fortunate enough to emulate the victory three years ago of his 33-1 shot Neptune Collonges.
Maybe Rocky Creek could be the pick of the foursome as he was a gallant fifth last year and has since undergone a breathing operation which has enabled him to finish his races better. Balthazar King, runnerup to the returning Pineau De Re 12 months ago, is also back.
Whatever happens, history will be created in Liverpool tomorrow — and you can use our sweepstake kit to be part of it.
ODDs are correct at time of going to press.