Over 50,000 spectators will visit Aintree Racecourse for one of the region’s biggest events of the year – the Grand National. With it being one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, racing fans from across the country will be counting down the days ahead of the famous Merseyside meeting – and the 2019 renewal should be an absolute thriller.
The Grand National can be a lottery at times but Tiger Roll proved in 2018 that studying form can pay dividends. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the standout contenders for 2019:
VINTAGE CLOUDS
Although yet to win in a field with more than nine runners, Vintage Clouds ticks a lot of the boxes for Grand National glory. Now nine years old, he was a superb winner at Haydock in November and his familiarity with northern racecourses could prove advantageous.
Trainer Sue Smith talks to Racing Post reporter Andrew Dietz on her stable stars Vintage Clouds, I Just Know and Midnight Shadow
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Beaten by just over four lengths in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr last year, Sue Smith may aim Vintage Clouds at the Aintree version of the race this year. Currently priced at 20/1 to be first past the post, Vintage Clouds is worth backing in ante-post betting odds.
ELEGANT ESCAPE
A progressive type who continues to go from strength to strength, Elegant Escape is vying for early favouritism ahead of the 2019 Grand National. The seven-year-old is young and inexperienced but punters believe that he can come of age in the Aintree showpiece.
Tipped by many to go all the way this year, Elegant Escape has the profile to go close in his pursuit of glory. As mentioned in the Racing Post’s guide to racing, studying betting tips and general form is key and Elegant Escape is one of the standout contenders. He can follow up his Welsh Grand National win with a victory at Aintree in April.
ROCK THE KASBAH
One for fans of The Clash, Rock The Kasbah is an interesting pick. He finished a lowly ninth in his only previous Aintree run but has improved in recent years. His lack of National experience may tempt punters to look elsewhere but he certainly has the profile to challenge.
🗣 “Playing catch-up isn’t nice when everyone expects you to be in front.”
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He tends to flourish in larger fields – the Philip Hobbs star has finished in the places in three of his last four races with more than 12 runners. November’s victory in the Betvictor.com Handicap Chase at Cheltenham raised a few eyebrows and he is one to consider.
ONE FOR ARTHUR
What a story this would be. 2017 Grand National winner One For Arthur has struggled since making his long-awaited return from injury but could still head to Aintree in April. Trained by Lucinda Russell, One For Arthur has matured into a real fan favourite over his career.
He has unseated his rider in each of his last two racecourse appearances but it could be third time lucky for One For Arthur. If he manages to get back to his brilliant best, we could see connections celebrating another famous National success come race day.
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