*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The eyes of the world will turn to Aintree racecourse this Saturday at 17:15 as the Grand National 2022 finally gets underway. We’re giddy with excitement here at Power Tower – so much so that the big man’s commissioned a special Cheat Sheet at tremendous expense just for the big race!
So you’ve done your sweepstake, you’ve put 10p on a 100/1 shot and you’ve listened to Pat from IT’s sage advice but now it’s time to get serious. Who is actually going to win the Grand National?
WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS!
Well, we’ve got the defending champion Minella Times in the field, Snow Leopardess might go off a favourite and Tiger Roll’s heir apparent Delta Work also features prominently in the betting.
With a field of 40 there’s absolutely no shame in seeking some help in separating the wheat from the chaff and Paddy’s panel are on hand to help you navigate the National minefield.
He’s recruited some of the biggest and brightest minds in the business to deliver their top tips for the race. He’s also roped in some big names from the wider world of sport if you think a punt off the beaten track is the best way to play the National.
But in the experts’ corner are the mighty Ruby Walsh, Gina Bryce, Mick Fitzgerald, Matt Chapman and Frank Hickey. Fallon Sherrock was bang on the money last time and she’s back on the oche looking for a double while our football tipping guru Phil Thompson is hoping to bring his fine form from the beautiful game to the sport of kings.
The Grand National is a marathon not a sprint so let’s take a good hard look at Paddy’s Cheat Sheet for the 2022 edition! Our top team have put up their No.1 choice first as well as some other fancies that might have a shot.
Mick Fitzgerald
Ruby Walsh
Gina Bryce
Frank Hickey
Matt Chapman
Fallon Sherrock
Phil Thompson
Mick Fitzgerald
I feel FIDDLERONTHEROOF ticks a lot of the right boxes for this contest. He is fairly weighted and ran a super race at Newbury. The ground is fine for him.
ANY SECOND NOW was the fancy last year and ran a super race suffering interference on the way around, but still managed to finish a good third. He is a little higher in the ratings and that makes life more difficult.
LONGHOUSE POET is trained by a man who knows what it takes to find the winner of the race in Martin Brassil while DELTA WORK is a class act he won the cross-country race at Cheltenham beating stablemate Tiger Roll.
Ruby Walsh
ANY SECOND NOW is my main fancy. He was unlucky in the race last year and did well to finish third but he’s 7lbs higher than last year which is a slight worry.
I also like LONGHOUSE POET for Martin Brassil. He was a good winner at Gowran Park in January and he’s ran over hurdles since at Navan. The ground at Aintree will suit him too.
DELTA WORK is the class horse in this race and, if he gets into a rhythm, he could be hard to catch.
FIDDLERONTHEROOF could be the best of the British horses. I loved the way he travelled in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.
Gina Bryce
ESCARIA TEN is a strong stayer, comes off the back of an excellent prep run, and is well weighted to put his best foot forward for trainer Gordon Elliott, who looking for a fourth win in the race.
He was excellent in the BobbyJo Chase just getting caught on the line by ANY SECOND NOW, who must surely have a strong chance again this year despite the extra weight.
Frank Hikey
MIGHY THUNDER won the Scottish National last year and if the wind op works, he’s a great price. He’s at the lower end of the weights too.
Henry Daly’s FORTESCUE is also worth a shout. He’s 4lbs well in after winning at Ascot last time out in a real stamina test where he outstayed Fiddlerontheroof.
DISCORAMA didn’t have the ideal preparation last year when running at Cheltenham before the Grand National. He travelled and jumped well but he just weakened late on.
TOP VILLE BEN is a wild price. He has some good form previously but he has fallen a few times in his career.
Matt Chapman
ANY SECOND NOW was very unlucky when third in the 2021 Grand National when badly hampered at the 12th fence. Stayed on well in the closing stages and you have to think would have gone close to winning without that mishap.
ESCARIA TEN was 2nd to Any Second Now at Fairyhouse. Has good staying handicap form and a fine third in the 2021 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
LONGHOUSE POET has been harshly treated by the handicapper here but has excellent form when put over a long trip and was a fine winner of the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
Fallon Sherrock
I hit the bullseye last year picking Minella Times and Rachel Blackmore but I’m siding with BURROWS SAINT to make it a top double this year. Paul Townend’s ride won the Irish National three years ago and I’m backing this nine-year-old to checkout in style.
Phil Thompson
I backed ANY SECOND NOW last year, he came third and I’m going to go for him again as my NAP.
Then I’ve got ESCARIA TEN, that’s my next best, Gordon Elliot’s horse.
My other one is FIDDLERONTHEROOF. I think he’s a really nice horse and my best hope for the British!
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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What about the rest of Saturday’s Aintree races? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered
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