Grand National horse list and runner-by-runner guide to Aintree 5.15 on Saturday

39 runners. 1 Aintree Grand National.

Any Second Now and Noble Yeats jump a fence in the Grand National

By / Grand National, Horse Racing Tips / 2 years ago

*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

Any Second Now carries top weight in the Aintree Grand National 2023 as a field of 39 runners and riders go to post at 5:15pm on Saturday.

The runner-up in last year’s renewal is rated 1lb superior to Noble Yeats, who was first past the post and is bidding to join the elite club of back-to-back winners of the world’s greatest steeplechase.

Delta Work, third in the race 12 months ago, is also back for another crack at Grand National glory and the Cross Country Chase hero is joined by five stablemates including Galvin, Fury Road and Coko Beach.

Willie Mullins has only landed the Grand National on one occasion – Hedgehunter in 2005 – but the Closutton handler boasts a fierce squad for this year’s race with Gaillard Du Mesnil and Mr Incredible among his leading contenders.

Irish-trained runners make up the majority of the field but the British have the antepost favourite in the form of dual Ultima Handicap Chase winner Corach Rambler, while Dan Skelton pitches in the fancied Le Milos.

Grand National odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.

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Grand National betting tips

Timeform: DELTA WORK can give Gordon Elliott a fourth Grand National victory. He’s been extremely strong at the finish when winning the Cross Country Chase for the last 2 years, the same race Tiger Roll landed before taking this in 2018 and 2019 for connections, and he gave a great account of himself when third off 1 lb higher 12 months ago. Corach Rambler is another dual Cheltenham Festival winner who ticks plenty of boxes for the 2017-winning yard. Le Milos and Vanillier complete the shortlist.

Grand National runners and riders

Any Second Now

Trainer: T. M. Walsh Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 11 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Has come alive in this race for the last 2 years, arguably unlucky not to win when third in 2021 and finding only Noble Yeats too good 12 months ago, briefly looking like the winner at the last. Warmed up with a smooth Navan success from Velvet Elvis last month but is 8 lb higher third time around.

***

Noble Yeats

Trainer: Emmet Mullins Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 8 Weight: 11st 11lbs

Proved money well spent when belying chasing inexperience to take this 12 months ago from Any Second Now, showing bags of stamina to overhaul that one and becoming the first winning 7-y-o since 1940. Has improved further this term, fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time. 19 lb higher this year.

***

Galvin

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Davy Russell Age: 9 Weight: 11st 11lbs

Tough and genuine performer with a good Cheltenham Festival record, second to a stablemate with an even better one in Delta Work on his first go in a cross-country race last month. Has to meet that one on 7 lb worse terms here though. Davy Russell, seeking a third National win, back in the saddle.

***

Fury Road

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr. Age: 9 Weight: 11st 6lbs

Very smart on his day but hard to catch right. His third to Galopin des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup in February reads well though and he may appreciate this much stiffer test on a belated start in a handicap having been caught out in the Ryanair last time. 1 of 8 for Gordon Elliott.

***

The Big Dog

Trainer: Peter Fahey Jockey: Aidan Coleman Age: 10 Weight: 11st 5lbs

Big improver in the autumn, winning a couple of valuable 3m handicap chases in Ireland before a fine third in the Welsh National. Took an uncharacteristic fall in the Irish Gold Cup last time which is hardly the ideal preparation, but otherwise he’s one of the more likely types.

***

Capodanno

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: D. E. Mullins Age: 7 Weight: 11st 5lbs

Second-season chaser who has gone well in big fields and won extended 3m Punchestown Grade 1 novice last spring from Lifetime Ambition and Fury Road. Pleasing comeback at Gowran in February and looks like he has the required stamina for this. Big run could be on the way.

***

Delta Work

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Keith Donoghue Age: 10 Weight: 11st 4lbs

Last year’s third won the Cross Country Chase for the second year running at Cheltenham last month, seeing off Galvin having denied National hero Tiger Roll 12 months earlier. It was a big effort from him from 1 lb higher in 2022 having made early mistakes and he’ll be sharper this time. Big player.

*****

Sam Brown

Trainer: Anthony Honeyball Jockey: Jonathan Burke Age: 11 Weight: 11st 4lbs

Won the preceding handicap on this card 12 months ago and was a good third in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby on his return. Quiet since but has likely had this as his target (should stay long distances). Has had a breathing operation.

***

Lifetime Ambition

Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington Jockey: S. F. O’Keeffe Age: 8 Weight: 11st 3lbs

Good jumper who took pretty well to these fences in the Grand Sefton in November before chasing home The Big Dog in the Troytown at Navan. Well held since (over hurdles latest) and is a doubtful stayer. Others preferred.

**

Carefully Selected

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: M. J. M. O’Sullivan Age: 11 Weight: 11st 1lbs

Very lightly raced for an 11-y-o but better than ever back from 33 months off this term, relishing the slog through the Gowran mud as he edged out Dunboyne in the Thyestes in January. Better than the result at Fairyhouse since but wouldn’t be sure to take to these fences. Excellent young rider up.

***

Coko Beach

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 8 Weight: 11st 0lbs

Gordon Elliott-trained grey who led for a long way in the Thyestes won by Carefully Selected before scoring himself for the first time in 2 years at Punchestown 8 weeks ago. Didn’t get home in the 2021 Irish National or in this 12 months ago (eighth off 5 lb lower).

**

Longhouse Poet

Trainer: Martin Brassil Jockey: J. J. Slevin Age: 9 Weight: 11st 0lbs

Warmed up nicely for a second crack at this when returning to winning ways at Down Royal last month, beating Roi Mage. Took to the course really well last year but finished held in sixth having proved far too keen. Same mark and will clearly need to settle better.

***

Gaillard Du Mesnil

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: P. Townend Age: 7 Weight: 11st 0lbs

Very smart grey who was third in last year’s Irish National and proved all stamina when landing the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month. Not always fluent there though and did have quite a hard race. 1 of 4 for Willie Mullins (won this just once, in 2005).

***

Darasso

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: L. P. Dempsey Age: 10 Weight: 10st 13lbs

Admirable dual purpose performer who was third in the Kerry National in September and scored at Thurles in December. Well beaten the last twice though and looks up against it on his first go in a marathon handicap.

**

Le Milos

Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 8 Weight: 10st 11lbs

Has improved further for new yard this term, winning hot Newbury handicap chase in November (Corach Rambler fourth) and shaping best in second on first run since at Kelso 6 weeks ago, sent for home earlier than ideal. Had a hard race there but is very much the type who’ll take well to this test.

****

Escaria Ten

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Non-Runner Age: 9 Weight: 10st 10lbs

Non-Runner.

The Big Breakaway

Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 8 Weight: 10st 10lbs

Smart novice chaser in 2020/21 but firmly back on track this term with good seconds in valuable Haydock handicap and the Welsh National, jumping a lot better than usual at Chepstow. Never got going in the Ultima at Cheltenham but might have needed it after 11 weeks off. Stronger headgear goes on.

***

Cape Gentleman

Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon Jockey: Jody McGarvey Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs

Smart chaser at best and took a step back in the right direction on second start for this yard when behind Velvet Elvis at Fairyhouse 10 weeks ago. Never raced beyond 3m though (all wins over shorter) and he has plenty on his plate.

**

Roi Mage

Trainer: Patrick Griffin Jockey: Felix de Giles Age: 11 Weight: 10st 8lbs

Eight-time winning chaser who struck for new yard at Down Royal last spring. Second to Longhouse Poet bidding for the repeat 4 weeks ago and plenty of others have stronger claims given he’s prone to mistakes

**

Diol Ker

Trainer: Noel Meade Jockey: Kieren Buckley Age: 9 Weight: 10st 8lbs

Well suited to the demands of large-field staying handicaps, winning the Leinster National last season and going close in a valuable contest at Leopardstown over Christmas. Not so good at Punchestown since though and work to do up in trip.

**

A Wave Of The Sea

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: Shane Fitzgerald Age: 7 Weight: 10st 6lbs

All his wins have come over much shorter and he ran a shocker for the third year running at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Very hard to fancy upped markedly in trip.

**

Minella Trump

Trainer: Donald McCain Jockey: Theo Gillard Age: 9 Weight: 10st 6lbs

The winning most horse of last season (won 8 of his 9 starts at up to 3m, mostly in small-field contests). Should have come on for his first run in 10 months at Bangor 3 weeks ago but doesn’t look well enough handicapped to take this for 2011’s winning trainer.

**

Vanillier

Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell Jockey: Sean Flanagan Age: 8 Weight: 10st 6lbs

Grade 1 hurdles winner over 3m and ran an eye-catching race in Fairyhouse Grade 3 chase 7 weeks ago, closing all the way behind the classy Kemboy without being not knocked about. Should stay this far and if keeping the mistakes down he could go well.

****

Velvet Elvis

Trainer: T. Gibney Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe Age: 7 Weight: 10st 6lbs

Made all at Fairyhouse in February and fair run behind Any Second Now at Navan 4 weeks ago. Stamina to prove here though (finished tired in last year’s Irish National) and hard to see him in the shake up.

**

Ain’t That A Shame

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs

Was shaping up well this season before opening account over fences in Gowran maiden in the mud 5 weeks ago, readily coming clear despite a couple of mistakes. Could have a bigger effort in the locker now contesting a marathon handicap and one to note under 2021-winning rider Rachael Blackmore.

***

Corach Rambler

Trainer: Lucinda Russell Jockey: Derek Fox Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs

Leaped into favouritism for this with a second successive win in the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, idling late having quickened smartly to lead. 10 lb well-in and Scottish yard won this with One For Arthur in 2017. Obvious chance if he doesn’t get too far back.

****

Enjoy D’allen

Trainer: Ciaran Murphy Jockey: S. D. Torrens Age: 9 Weight: 10st 5lbs

Dual winning chaser who got no further than the first in this last year having been purchased by top owner and he’s been well held since, going with little fluency at Fairyhouse 7 weeks ago. Tongue tie back on.

**

Mr Incredible

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: B. Hayes Age: 7 Weight: 10st 4lbs

Has his quirks (has refused to race) but also a ton of ability, placed in valuable staying handicap chases the last twice, his effort flattening out as he wandered badly on the run-in in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month. Will stay and has it in him to run a huge race if taking to the test.

***

Mister Coffey

Trainer: Nicky Henderson Jockey: Nico de Boinville Age: 8 Weight: 10st 4lbs

Talented but rather frustrating performer who was placed again at the Cheltenham Festival when third to Gaillard du Mesnil in the NH Chase, wilting from 2 out. Didn’t take to these fences in last year’s Topham and with his stamina doubts he’s unlikely to be Nicky Henderson’s first winner in this.

**

Cloudy Glen

Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 10 Weight: 10st 4lbs

Hard to predict but was runner-up in the Kim Muir 2 years ago and won the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on return last season. Jumped well but had a hard race on his return at Haydock and bombed out behind Corach Rambler at Cheltenham. Trainer and owners have enjoyed success in this over the years.

***

Hill Sixteen

Trainer: Sandy Thomson Jockey: Ryan Mania Age: 10 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Close second in the mud over these fences in the 2021 Becher but patchy form since, well held again at Kelso (lost a shoe) after 4 months off/another breathing operation at Kelso 3 weeks ago. Cheekpieces go on and he should stay this far. Jockey rode the 66/1-winner of this in 2013.

***

Gabbys Cross

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Peter Carberry Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Won handicap chase at Galway last summer and has been shaping up well in good races this season, finishing with running left at Naas 5 weeks ago. Rachael Blackmore switches to stablemate Ain’t That A Shame but he should stay and unwise to dismiss.

***

Recite A Prayer

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Won the Killarney National last spring and good efforts at Listowel/Clonmel in the autumn. Well beaten over these fences in the Becher and at Leopardstown in December though and looks down the Willie Mullins’ pecking order back from a break.

**

Eva’s Oskar

Trainer: Tim Vaughan Jockey: Alan Johns Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Likeable chaser who has improved since the visor went on, scoring at Cheltenham in December and doing enough to prove himself over this sort of trip when fourth in the Eider at Newcastle 7 weeks ago. Tongue tie goes on and probably only minor place claims.

***

Our Power

Trainer: Sam Thomas Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Improving and likeable chaser who has won valuable 3m handicaps at Ascot and Kempton 4 months apart this term, jumping soundly and holding on gamely 7 weeks ago. Done well to get a run as a progressive sort (due to be 4 lb higher in the future) and well in the mix if he stays.

***

Dunboyne

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jack Tudor Age: 8 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Off the mark over fences in the Gowran mud in November and went close behind Carefully Selected in valuable handicap there in January. Kept on from a long way back in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last month and sterner headgear tried upped markedly in trip now.

***

Francky Du Berlais

Trainer: Peter Bowen Jockey: Ben Jones Age: 10 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Notched up a second win in the valuable Summer Plate at Market Rasen last summer. Looked energised by step up to a marathon trip in cross country race at Cheltenham in January and shaped well again on that course last month (might have hung on for third if finishing). Could go well for a long way.

***

Fortescue

Trainer: Henry Daly Jockey: Hugh Nugent Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Useful chaser who relished the emphasis on stamina when landing a listed handicap at Ascot (3m, heavy) last season. Hasn’t taken to this course in 2 tries though, never going well from the third in this last year and looking laboured in the Becher in December. Different headgear. Hard to fancy.

**

Back On The Lash

Trainer: Martin Keighley Jockey: Adam Wedge Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Struck again over the cross country fences at Cheltenham in January but struggled once more behind Delta Work there last month and this is even tougher from out of the weights under a change of rider.

**

Born By The Sea

Trainer: Paul John Gilligan Jockey: Phillip Enright Age: 9 Weight: 10st 2lbs

Useful handicap chaser at his best who has failed to figure (albeit faced with stiff tasks) last 4 starts and would be a surprising winner from out of the weights.

*

Grand National Tips

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