Another Cheltenham Festival has, perhaps thrown up a number of clues about what we might expect about the Grand National; arguably the most anticipated steeplechase of the calendar year.
It was a week that produced a number of shocks and surprises, while since then, odds have changed somewhat for many previously well-liked contenders.
No doubt, there are a few who stood out at the Cheltenham Festival and impressed, whose trainers may feel confident about the marathon and there could be a few that some punters could well have their eyes on.
Cheltenham Contenders That Could Deliver
While there was speculation over whether Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior and Ryanair contender (until being withdrawn), Fact To File would run, it has been confirmed that they now won’t.
It means that attention now turns to stablemates Jagwar, who finished a respectable second in the Ultima, enhancing both his reputation and chances, qualifying for the National, in addition to Iroko who has drifted slightly in the betting.
One who may be well-fancied is Jonnywho; arguably the biggest mover during the Cheltenham week, mainly due to his win in the Ultima Handicap Chase and there could be some who may get sense of deja vu, after Corach Rambler achieved this on his way to victory in 2023.
Meanwhile, Final Orders, could be a great outsider and, having won in gritty fashion last week, is one who certainly seems to have the measure of fences; his jumping now appears to be his best asset and this could put him in great contention at Aintree.
Although it was essentially a ‘below-par’ run in the Gold Cup for Haiti Couleurs, however, after previous wins in the Irish and Welsh National’s she has proven that she is a relentless stayer who is capable of delivering on the big stage.
Returning Favourites
There appears to be a feeling that I Am Maximus who won in 2024 and finished second last year, is somewhat of a course specialist and will be among the betting this time around, while Nick Rockett, who came in at 28/1 last time to win it, is also likely to be fancied.
Your 2025 Randox Grand National winner- Nick Rockett 🏆#ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/2r0txt0ZOW
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 5, 2025
Grangeclare West could hand trainer Willie Mullins a third successive win in this race and, following his third-place last year, the Irishman is understood to have campaigned this season, specifically with Aintree in mind.
Slipping under the radar perhaps somewhat, is Monty’s Star, who has been a consistent performer for Henry de Bromhead and seemingly managed over the last few months with this race in mind. Gainsborough Hill is another who has proved that he has the stamina and seems to fit the profile of a young, improving chaser who may well be suited to the layout at Aintree.
It is seemingly always hard to call in the Grand National and there are many punters who look at it through Cheltenham Festival tinted sunglasses, though sometimes this simply has no effect.
Whether it is a returning favourite or a performer from last week who wins it, we have seen on many occasions, upsets at Aintree do and can happen.