YOUR OFFICE GRAND NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKE KIT

IT’S the most anticipated and unpredictable race of the year and the 600 million around the globe who will tune into the £1m Randox Health Grand National shows the fascination in a steeplechase first run in 1839 is as strong as ever.

The 40 horses will line up to face a four mile, two furlong distance with its 30 fences including iconic obstacles like Becher’s Brook, Foinavon, The Chair and Valentine’s.

More than three-quarters of the starters were still going last year when the field reached Becher’s Brook on the second circuit (22nd fence) and 19 finished the race behind Scottish-trained winner One For Arthur.

But the major factor this time will be the soft ground, making the race an arduous test. Soft ground will suit some proven mudlarks like Welsh National winner Raz De Maree and outsider Houblon Des Obeaux but hamper others like Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere and Scottish National winner Vicente.

The Irish challenge is headed by Anibale Fly, who was third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and looks the best handicapped horse in the race, Total Recall, a faller three out in the Gold Cup when still going well, and Tiger Roll, who has three Cheltenham Festival wins after winning last month’s Cross Country Chase.

Britain’s challenge is headed by last year’s fourth Blaklion, trained by two-time race winner Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by his son Sam.

Scotland has chances of back-toback wins with See you at midnight, trained by Sandy Thomson who once played rugby against the All Black when representing South of Scotland, and Captain Redbeard, trained by and sheep farmer Stuart Coltherd and ridden by his teenage son Sam.

Then there’s the girls. Bryony Frost (Milansbar), Katie Walsh (Baie Des Iles) and Rachael Blackmore (Alpha Des Obeaux) all have feasible chances of not only reaching the first four but making history by becoming the first female jockeys to win the race.

It’s all to play for.